Greece to Purchase Submarines Capable of Launching Cruise Missiles

Greece has launched a procurement process for four new submarines, at least two of which will be capable of carrying long-range land-attack cruise missiles.

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced the plan during the country’s 2025 Naval Week, SSBCrack News reported.

The procurement is part of Greece’s “Agenda 2030” modernization program and its “Achilles Shield” strategic doctrine, which aims to shift the Hellenic Navy’s focus from coastal defence to strategic deterrence.

The new submarines will replace aging German-built Type 209 vessels. At least two platforms in the new class will be configured to launch cruise missiles with a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers, according to local reports.

A minimum of 25% of the procurement is expected to involve Greek industry participation. No timeline for contract signing or delivery has yet been disclosed.

The Hellenic Navy’s General Staff has issued requests for information to several international shipbuilders.

Contenders reportedly include Germany’s Type 218 and Type 209NG, France’s Scorpène and Barracuda classes, and Sweden’s A26 Blekinge-class submarine.

Requirements for the new boats include air-independent propulsion, lithium-ion battery systems, low acoustic and magnetic signatures, and advanced low-frequency active sonar.

The submarines should be capable of performing anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD), sea control, and strike missions, and should support special operations deployment.

Armament is expected to include heavy torpedoes, anti-ship and anti-air missiles, close-range air defense systems, and land-attack cruise missiles.

Greece’s interest in submarine-launched cruise missiles follows similar ambitions in other European navies.

The Dutch Ministry of Defense, for example, recently abandoned plans to integrate Tomahawk TTL cruise missiles on its future Orka-class submarines, citing cost and delays in torpedo-tube production.

The Netherlands is now assessing alternative options, with MBDA’s Naval Cruise Missile (MdCN) seen as a likely candidate.

The same missile could be considered for integration into Greece’s future submarine fleet.