South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has unveiled its submarine designs and submitted a bid for the Hellenic Navy’s multibillion-euro naval modernization program, signaling a significant push to expand its global naval footprint. During a recent presentation, HHI highlighted its extensive experience in submarine development, notably its role in constructing six of the nine Sohn Won-yil-class (KSS-II) submarines for the Republic of Korea Navy under the Korean Attack Submarine Program. The company also holds a $360 million contract to modernize the first three vessels of this class, originally built between 2007 and 2009.
HHI further emphasized its involvement in the newer KSS-III program, having delivered the final Batch I submarine, the ROKS Shin Chae-ho. Beyond submarines, the firm showcased additional naval designs, indicating an interest in broader cooperation with Greece’s naval forces. This bid is part of the Hellenic Ministry of Defence’s ambitious “Aspida tou Achillea” (Achilles’ Shield) program, which hopes to revitalize the Hellenic Navy with new vessels and upgrades to existing fleets.
HHI is competing alongside several international contenders. South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean recently presented its Dosan Ahn Chang-ho-class (KSS-III) submarine model to Greek officials, while Sweden’s Saab Kockums offered its A26 (Blekinge-class) design. German and French companies have entered the competition as well, proposing the Type 209NG and Scorpène Evolved models, respectively. The Hellenic Navy is expected to thoroughly review all bids in the coming months, making this one of Greece’s most consequential naval procurement efforts in decades.
