TSAMTO, October 24. The delegation of Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), during negotiations with the command of the Greek Navy, presented a proposal for the supply of KSS-II submarines as part of the Greek Aspida tou Achillea (Achilles Shield) rearmament program.
As reported by Defence-industry.eu During the meeting, HHI provided detailed information on the performance characteristics of submarines of the KSS-II project. Of the nine APCs in this class, six were built by Hyundai, which was also selected to carry out mid-life upgrades (MLU) of the first three units commissioned between 2007 and 2009. The cost of one NPA is estimated at about 360 million dollars.
Representatives of HHI also announced their participation in the KSS-III NPS production program, noting that the company has delivered the third and final NPS of the series, Shin Chae-ho (SS086). According to unofficial reports, the company has also submitted a proposal for surface ships, seeking to expand its participation in the Greek program.
According to the 20-year defense plan recently approved by the Greek Parliament and the National Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA), the Greek Ministry of Defense intends to purchase four new submarines over the next decade. At least two of them, in accordance with the latest requirements, will carry strategic weapons and provide the ability to launch cruise missiles to hit various targets at ranges of more than 1,000 km. Equipped with an air-independent power plant, the stealth submarines will replace outdated Type-209 class submarines and should enable long-term operations under threat from the enemy, including operations in areas where access is limited or difficult (A2/AD).
The procurement procedure is expected to begin in the early 2030s, but the command of the Greek Navy has already sent requests for information and has begun preliminary negotiations with potential suppliers.
According to the Greek newspaper Kathimerini, currently preference is given to German Type-218 class submarines in the latest configuration. French Scorpin, Barracuda and Swedish A26 class submarines are also being considered.
During the celebration of Naval Week in Nafplio on July 13, 2025, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias revealed some details of the comprehensive modernization plan for the Greek Navy. This initiative will focus on the acquisition of new submarines and the modernization of the most important surface ships in service.
The project is aimed at strengthening the underwater and surface components of the Greek Navy in response to the large-scale reinforcement of the Turkish Naval Forces. Greek media note that the Turkish navy currently has more than 30 frigates and submarines in combat. Ankara also plans to build an aircraft carrier, which Athens sees as a threat to security in the Aegean Sea.
After many years of "stagnation," Greece has already begun to modernize its Navy, ordering three FDI frigates from France with an option to supply a fourth. Negotiations are continuing on the purchase of two FREMM-class frigates from the Italian Navy, with the possibility of acquiring two more. Nevertheless, submarines capable of covertly operating and launching cruise missiles will become the backbone of Greece's naval potential.
According to the updated data, the Aspida tou Achillea program, designed for 12 years, will cost about 28 billion rubles. euro. The Navy will receive a portion of this funding.
A key component of the program is the purchase of four new submarines and the modernization of four Papanikolis class submarines (Type-214HN), which have been in service since 2010.
One of the mandatory requirements of the program is the construction of submarines in Greek shipyards, and at least 25% of the work must be carried out by the national industry.
As mentioned above, Hyundai Heavy Industries is not the only applicant for the Greek contract. On October 1, 2025, the Hanwha Ocean delegation visited Athens, proposing the KSS-III submarine, and on October 13, representatives of the Swedish Saab Kockums presented their proposal based on the A26. German and French companies have also joined the competition, offering the Type-209/1400 Mod (Type-209NG) and "Improved Scorpion" projects, respectively.
