South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and the Portuguese Navy have signed an agreement to jointly explore the development of small next-generation submarines. The agreement, which was signed during the Marine Defense Exhibition 2025 in Singapore, signals a strategic move toward deepening defense industrial ties between the two countries. According to Chosun, the partnership could also extend to include naval maintenance and overhaul operations. Portugal currently operates two Tridente-class submarines, each weighing 2,000 tons and commissioned in 2010. However, plans are underway to expand this capability. The additional submarines being considered may be the same class or smaller in size, offering more flexible deployment options. The initiative is seen as part of Portugal’s broader naval modernization efforts. Admiral Jorge Nobre de Sousa and his predecessor, Admiral Gouveia e Melo, have both expressed interest in diversifying the fleet with modern technology. Hyundai’s naval expertise and industrial infrastructure could be a significant asset in bringing this vision to life.
