As part of the broad modernization program of its Armed Forces, Greece has recently received a proposal from the French company Naval Group to equip its Navy with the new Blacksword Barracuda submarines, a potential replacement for its fleet of German-designed Type 209 units, which have already been in service for several decades, and a complement to its Type 214 models. According to available reports, the company responded to Athens’ request for information with an offer for four submarines in total, considering that this is a number of submarines and a design that fits the institution’s current requirements.
It is worth noting in this regard that the design is a model derived from the original Barracuda design currently being introduced by the French Navy as part of its own modernization program, although it is characterized by lacking a nuclear propulsion system, instead relying on a conventional one. For this purpose, the Blacksword Barracuda submarine is equipped with modern high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, which allow it to remain submerged for long periods of time while maintaining a high degree of stealth.
It is also useful to recall that this concept has also been chosen by the Royal Netherlands Navy to form its future submarine capability, where it was highlighted that the aforementioned lithium-ion batteries offer greater operational flexibility than the competition based on air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems; especially due to the latter’s requirement to return to port for recharging.
Another relevant aspect to consider lies in the potential involvement of local industry in the manufacturing process of the new Blacksword Barracuda submarines, with Naval Group benefiting from various ties that form a network of partners within Greek territory, originally established for the construction of the FDI HN Kimon-class frigates. Specifically regarding companies that could participate in submarine construction, the partnership between the French company and METLEN stands out as a possible manufacturer of hull sections, as well as the Skaramangas Shipyards, which could carry out assembly work.
It is important to recall at this point that the selection process would involve a significant number of competitors seeking to place their designs as future submarines for the Hellenic Navy, and it is still in an early evaluation stage with the goal of having the first submarines by around 2035; although this would depend on how long it takes to sign the corresponding contract. At present, Athens is considering potential offers from Naval Group itself, Germany’s TKMS, Sweden’s Saab, Italy’s Fincantieri, and South Korea’s Hanwha Systems.
Finally, briefly reviewing the characteristics with which the Blacksword Barracuda aims to establish itself as the new submarine of the Hellenic Navy, it can be noted that it displaces around 3,300 tons, contained within a length of about 82 meters. Thanks to its aforementioned lithium-ion battery-based propulsion system, each unit can remain at sea for up to 70 days and reach speeds of up to 20 knots. In terms of armament, the design features up to six 533 mm torpedo tubes and a storage capacity of up to 30 weapons ranging from torpedoes to cruise missiles and naval mines, complemented by the ability to deploy naval drones.
*Images used for illustrative purposes
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