South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has officially presented its submarine designs as part of a competitive bid for the Hellenic Navy’s extensive naval modernization initiative, which is valued at several billion euros. This initiative aims to enhance Greece’s maritime capabilities and refresh its aging fleet.
During the presentation, HHI showcased its expertise in undersea vessel development, referencing its role in constructing six of the nine Sohn Won-yil-class, or KSS-II submarines, integral to South Korea’s Korean Attack Submarine Program. According to Defence Industry Europe, HHI has also secured a significant contract to renovate the first three vessels of the KSS-II class, originally built between 2007 and 2009, as part of a $360 million deal.
Additionally, HHI highlighted its contributions to the newer KSS-III program, noting the delivery of the final Batch I submarine, the ROKS Shin Chae-ho. Reports indicate that HHI went beyond submarines, exploring potential collaboration opportunities in broader naval designs during its discussions in Greece.
This meeting forms a crucial component of Greece’s “Aspida tou Achillea,” or Achilles’ Shield program, aimed at modernizing the national maritime fleet and enhancing local shipbuilding capabilities. Launched in July, this comprehensive 12-year initiative boasts a budget of approximately 28 billion euros ($32.5 billion), with about 10 percent designated for naval enhancements. The program is set to replace outdated submarines and infuse new technology into the naval fleet while promoting domestic shipbuilding.
Plans under the program include the acquisition of four new submarines and the upgrade of four Papanikolis-class (Type 214HN) vessels, which have been operational since 2010. These new submarines will replace the older Glavkos-class (Type 209/1100) and Poseidon-class (Type 209/1200) submarines, many of which have been in service since the 1970s. A critical stipulation of the initiative is that construction must predominantly occur in Greek shipyards, with at least a quarter of the work required to be completed by local firms.
In the competitive landscape, HHI is one of several players vying for the lucrative contract from the Hellenic Ministry of Defence. Earlier this month, Hanwha Ocean, another South Korean shipbuilder, presented its Dosan Ahn Chang-ho-class or KSS-III submarine model in Athens. Around the same time, Sweden’s Saab Kockums introduced an A26-based (Blekinge-class) offer. Moreover, German and French companies have joined the fray, proposing their Type 209NG and Scorpène Evolved submarine models, respectively.
The Hellenic Navy is anticipated to review all proposals in the coming months, marking a significant step forward in Greece’s largest naval upgrade undertaking in decades.
