As part of the announcement of an ambitious investment plan to strengthen the Armed Forces’ capabilities, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis revealed on April 2 that the Hellenic Navy will launch a modernization program for its German-designed U214 attack submarines, also known as the Papanikolis class. According to reports, the program will include the four submarines currently in service: HS Papanikolis, HS Pipinos, HS Matrozos, and HS Katsonis.
In this regard, Hellenic Navy officials have confirmed that they have been authorized to begin seeking proposals to modernize these units, which are equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems. This technology provides the U214 submarines with greater autonomy and stealth capabilities. Additionally, the Navy aims to replace its aging AEG SUT Mod 0 torpedoes with the more advanced DM2A4 SeaHake Mod 4 torpedoes from Atlas Elektronik. This will also require an upgrade of the ISUS 90 combat system to ensure compatibility with the new weapons, along with the addition of new countermeasure systems against enemy torpedoes.
It is worth recalling that the Papanikolis-class submarines displace an estimated 1,860 tons, with a length of 65 meters and a beam of 6.3 meters. Each unit is capable of diving to depths of up to 400 meters, reaching speeds of up to 20 knots, and remaining at sea for up to 84 days without resupply. In terms of armament, the Greek U214s feature eight 533 mm torpedo tubes, capable of launching both types of torpedoes mentioned above, as well as UGM-84 Sub-Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
On a broader scale, reviewing Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ investment plans, which include the aforementioned modernization, Athens is expected to invest a substantial €25 billion over the next 12 years to strengthen its defense. In addition to several modernization programs, Greece also plans to use these funds to develop a new multi-layered air defense network called the “Achilles Shield,” and to proceed with acquisitions of ships, fighter jets, drones, and even a communications satellite
These decisions are inevitably framed by the context of regional tensions with neighboring Turkey, Greece’s main source of strategic concern, which continues to make significant and sustained investments in its own defense industry. The Greek initiative also aligns with the broader European call for greater strategic autonomy in light of the evolving U.S. foreign policy stance. In this context, the Greek Prime Minister noted that the country is already investing 3% of its GDP in defense—almost double the EU average—and emphasized that the investment plan will not overlook fiscal balance, setting Greece apart from countries like Germany in the way it approaches these policies.
Images used for illustrative purposes only
