Greece has announced a 12-year Long-Term Defence Armaments Plan for the Armed Forces, which includes, among other initiatives, the acquisition of new frigates, submarines, and patrol vessels, as well as multiple upgrade programs for the existing fleet.
On April 10, Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias addressed the Hellenic Parliament’s Special Standing Committee on Armament Programmes and Contracts regarding the Long-term Planning of Defence Armaments of the Armed Forces 2025–2036. The following day, April 11, he expanded on the program in an interview with journalist Apostolos Mangiriadis at the Delphi Economic Forum X. In both appearances, he presented the long-awaited defense procurement plan for the Hellenic Armed Forces.
This strategic initiative aims to strengthen national defense and upgrade military capabilities over the next 12 years in response to rapidly shifting geopolitical dynamics. Central to the plan is a comprehensive naval armament program. The Long-term Planning of Defence Armaments 2025–2036 is aligned with the new Force Structure and forms a key component of the broader “Agenda 2030” reform framework. It encompasses a wide range of projects, with particular emphasis on the modernization and expansion of the Hellenic Navy. Among the most significant are the following:
New Frigates, Patrol Vessels and Submarines
- The acquisition of the fourth Kimon-class frigate (FDI HN), incorporating strategic weaponry (cruise missiles) for the last three of them (one 8-cell SYLVER A70 module per frigate), as well as various equipment enhancements for all the vessels in the class. Note that a source with knowledge of the matter told Naval News that both sides are exploring options for the SYLVER A70 module, intended for Naval Cruise Missiles, to be adapted to launch ASTER 30 surface-to-air missiles (SAM). If possible, the appropriate modifications to the A70 vertical launching system (VLS) would be conducted at the naval base, when missions demand enhanced air defense. Dendias confirmed that the technical discussions between the two sides for the 4th FDI have been completed, and the only remaining issue is reaching an agreement on the sale price. He also confirmed Naval Group’s proposal for the local construction of additional FDI HN frigates. Details of the program: Greece Initiates Talks for 4th FDI HN Frigate and Cruise Missiles.
- The procurement of two (2) second hand Bergamini-class (FREMM IT) frigates from Italy. Greece has expressed interest in acquiring used Bergamini-class frigates from the Italian Navy, and discussions between the two sides are ongoing. As part of these talks, Greek military and political leaders visited the frigate Carlo Margottini last Sunday while it was stationed in Piraeus, with the Chief of the Italian Navy, Admiral Enrico Credendino, also in attendance. Note, however, that this is not the first time the Greeks have inspected this particular ship. The Navy estimates the cost of two FREMM IT frigates to be under 600 million euros. If the acquisition materializes, it could pave the way for the purchase of additional FREMM IT frigates.
- Participation in the domestic construction program for Constellation-class frigates. Naval News reported on this in its 2024 article titled “Greece Expresses Interest in Co-Production of Constellation-class Frigates.”
- The acquisition of second-hand coastal patrol vessels (Island class, Marine Protector class). The Hellenic Navy has already acquired and upgraded four Island-class patrol vessels and it is committed to operate no fewer than eight (8) coastal patrol vessels, comprising the aforementioned classes. Naval News reported on this in its 2024 article titled “Hellenic Navy Reveals Its Surface Fleet Modernization Plan.”
- The acquisition of eight (8) CAMCOPTER S-100 UAVs to equip the four Kimon-class frigates (2 on each frigate). Naval News reported on this in its 2022 article titled “The Future of the Hellenic Navy Fleet.“
- The construction of at least four (4) new submarines to replace the existing 50-year old Glafkos-class (Type 209/1100) and Poseidon-class (Type 209/1200) submarines. Five candidate designs are under consideration: the Scorpène and Barracuda from Naval Group, the Type 218 and Type 209NG from TKMS, and the A26 from Saab. Naval News reported on this in its 2022 article titled “The Future of the Hellenic Navy Fleet.“
Upgrade Programs for Ships and Submarines
- The mid-life upgrade (MLU) program for the four (4) Papanikolis-class submarines (Type 214HN) with new electronic equipment, torpedo countermeasure systems from Leonardo, and new torpedoes from Atlas Elektronic (DM2A4 SeaHake Mod 4 HWT). Naval News reported on this in its 2022 article titled “The Future of the Hellenic Navy Fleet.“
- The long-overdue capability upgrade of the four (4) Hydra-class frigates (MEKO 200HN). The MEKO 200 modernization aims to extend the service life of these four 30-year-old multi-role frigates by at least 15 years. This extension will be achieved through upgrades or new equipment installations at Salamis Naval Base, addressing any obsolescence issues with the onboard systems. The ships will also receive the Centaur: The New Combat-proven C-UAS system by Hellenic Aerospace Industry. For details of the program, check out the article: New Information Unveiled on the Greek MEKO 200 Frigate Upgrade Program.
- The upgrade of the Roussen-class (Super Vita) fast attack missile craft of which seven (7) are currently in service. The first vessel entered service in 2005 but its equipment was designed in the late ’90s (with the exception of the last pair of vessels). The MLU program will equip the boats with state-of-the-art sensors and systems in order to achieve maximum operational capability and address obsolescence issues. Naval News reported on this in its 2024 article titled “Hellenic Navy Reveals Its Surface Fleet Modernization Plan.”
Other Programs in Greece
The Fleet is also undergoing several other upgrade programs for its vessels and helicopters (S-70). One such upgrade involves the Machitis-class (HSY56A) patrol vessels, which will be equipped with the Typhoon MLS-NLOS system for eight (8) SPIKE Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) long-range missiles per vessel. Additionally, the Navy will install the Typhoon MLS-ER system on the stern decks of its four (4) Mk V Special Operations Craft (SOC) after modifications to the main cabin and and rear deck area. Each of these craft will be outfitted with four (4) SPIKE Extended Range (ER) 2 missiles, significantly boosting their precision strike capability. Naval News reported on this in its 2023 article titled “Greek naval vessels to be fitted with SPIKE missiles.“
The Minister of National Defense did not provide any information regarding Greece’s participation in the European Corvette (MMPC/EPC) construction program, despite the country’s full membership in this particular PESCO project. However, Naval News can confirm that there is significant Greek interest in developing and acquiring 4 to 6 of these corvettes after 2030. Additionally, Naval News has learned that the naval program includes plans for the procurement or construction of new vessels for the Hellenic Navy Special Forces, as well as the acquisition of a number of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) for the Fleet.
