On August 9, 2025, the Greek daily Ekathimerini reported that South Korea had submitted to Athens several defense cooperation proposals, including an offer for the construction and co-production of KSS-III submarines, also known as the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho class.
Fully designed and built by the South Korean industry under the KSS-III program, these vessels represent the new generation of conventionally powered submarines for the Republic of Korea Navy. With a submerged displacement of 3,705 tons and a length of 83.5 meters, they feature a propulsion system combining diesel batteries and domestically produced fuel cells, enabling an underwater endurance of around 20 days. Their larger size allows for more supplies and equipment, as well as a crew capable of operating for longer periods in open waters, while also improving payload capacity and operational stealth.
In late June, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced that discussions would begin on a plan to acquire a new generation of submarines. He stressed the need for transparent management of public funds, emphasizing that every euro spent must be used responsibly. In practice, while modernization of the four Papanikolis-class submarines (Type 214 supplied by Germany) is planned, the objective would also be to replace older Type 209 units in the Poseidon, Okeanos, and Glavkos classes.
For Athens, the challenge is to maintain a strategic balance against the Turkish fleet, which currently operates twelve submarines (Altilay, Gür, and Preveze classes) and is in the process of adding six new Type 214/TN units of the Reis class, along with domestic development programs such as MILDEN and Nükden. According to Ekathimerini, the Greek government sees this naval modernization plan as a way to preserve its advantage in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas in an increasingly competitive regional environment.
Although the technical specifications of the future Greek submarines have not yet been officially defined, the local press has indicated that the ability to launch cruise missiles is among the desired capabilities. The KSS-III meets this requirement, as it can carry Chonryong cruise missiles and is equipped with a vertical launch system (VLS) designed to accommodate Hyunmoo 4-4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles, with a range of around 500 km and a payload of one ton. This configuration provides a sea-based land-attack capability, integrated into South Korea’s Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR) strategy. While major European shipbuilders such as Naval Group, Navantia, TKMS, and Saab Kockums are expected to compete for the contract, South Korea aims to position itself with a comprehensive offer.
The South Korean proposal, led by Hanwha Ocean, includes the modernization of the four Papanikolis submarines and the delivery of four KSS-III units, along with a technology transfer for local construction and a minimum 25 percent participation of the Greek defense industry, in line with new requirements from the Greek Ministry of Defense. The offer also contains two additional components: co-production of military vehicles and involvement of Greek industry in the development and manufacture of collaborative combat drones designed to operate alongside the KF-21 Boramae fighter aircraft produced by Korea Aerospace Industries. According to reports, Athens has requested detailed technical, industrial, and financial terms for this cooperation, with an emphasis on domestic production.
This opening by Seoul toward the Greek market falls within the European Union’s SAFE program, which promotes industrial cooperation and expansion of defense production capacity within the EU. For South Korea, it is also an opportunity to strengthen its presence in the European defense market through strategic partnerships and high-value technological projects. Ultimately, the South Korean proposal offers Greece an alternative to traditional European shipbuilders, with the prospect of rapid modernization and greater national industrial autonomy. However, Athens’ final decision will depend on financial terms, delivery schedules, and the comparative assessment of competing offers, in a context where cost control and operational effectiveness remain key considerations.
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