The Hellenic Navy is now reportedly looking towards upgrading its submarine flotilla, after finalizing a deal to purchase a fourth Belharra frigate from France’s Naval Group and Athens’ stated intent to acquire two Bergamini-class frigates from the Italian Navy.

The goal, according to reports in Wednesday’s edition “Ta Nea”, is to replace four older Type-209 submarines in the Greek fleet, along with the upgraded “Okeanos” (Type-209/1500 AIP), which has exceeded a half century of service life.

The goal is a 2+2 formula, reports state, as Defense Minister Nikos Dendias recently announced that the idea is not to merely replace older models but to acquire subs that will have the ability to deploy the latest weapons systems, including cruise missiles with a sub-strategic range.

The same reports have Hellenic Navy officials commencing initial contacts and gathering information on all current and future submarine models equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems, such as the French-made Scorpène-class subs, which was viewed a few weeks ago, and the conventional version of the Barracuda (Suffren Class), both built by Naval Group. Other possible candidates are the Swedish A26 Type, also known as Blekinge, and, of course, Italian and German-made submarines, such as the Type 212 developed by HDW – especially the 2,500-ton version – and the craft based on the Israeli version of the Type 212, called “Dolphin.”

A meeting with Hanwha reps

Moreover, in early October, a meeting was held at the Hellenic Navy general staff headquarters with representatives of the South Korean company Hanwha, which produces the Submarine-III. The latter, in addition to AIP propulsion, has the capability of launching ballistic missiles or cruise missiles.