Greece is set to enhance its naval capabilities with new submarines capable of launching strategic cruise missiles, aiming to maintain its underwater edge in the Aegean Sea as Turkey expands its naval fleet.
Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said during Maritime Week that Athens will acquire new submarines within the next decade. At least two of the four planned vessels will be equipped to deploy strategic weapons, extending Greece’s strike range to over 1,000 kilometers.
The submarines are part of a newly approved 20-year defense program and will feature advanced air-independent propulsion, upgraded sonar, modern combat systems and cruise missile capability, modeled on the existing Type 214 class.
In parallel, Greece will upgrade its four Type 214 Papanikolis-class submarines over the next five years to match the new standards. The mid-life modernization, expected to cost over one billion euros, will cover critical systems including sensors, electronics and combat suites, with work planned at the Skaramagas shipyards.
The push comes as Turkey builds a fleet of more than 30 warships, including frigates, submarines, unmanned surface vessels, and an aircraft carrier under its Blue Homeland maritime strategy.
Greece is also procuring new surface vessels, including three FDI frigates with an option for a fourth, and two used Italian FREMM frigates with an option for two more. However, strategic emphasis is shifting toward submarines as key assets for deterrence and long-range strike operations.