Future of the Hellenic Navy

Toward a deep (and long) period of austerity ?

Cartography:
Of the Entire Hellenic land aera, 1 140 km² (0, 9%) were of water (Rivers/Lakes);
Coastlines: 13,676 to 15 021 kilometres (+/- 8,498 miles) and 1400 to 3000 islands (conflicting sources on the web…)

Personnal Strenght: 18500+
+/- 9000 sailors; 9000+ conscript; Reserve: 24 000

+/- 14 Frigates (toward bigger much RADICALLY fewer ships…maybe only 8 ?)
Up to 6 newer FFG ?
The Greek considering the purchase of 4 newer frigates (+2 in option ?) to replace the 10 Elli class FFG. But the current economic problems of the Greeks threaten the future of this program. The only designs seriously considered are:
- French/DCNS Aquitaine/FREMM
- Italian/Fincantieri Carlo Bergamini/FREMM
- German ThyssenKrupp Meko 500/600 ? or Type 125 ? (uncertain...)

If the Greek economic situation deteriorates further, buying few “second-hands” frigates may become possible…Wait & See

4 Hydra
(Hydra, Spetsai, Psara, Salamis). 3300/4000 tons, 117 meters (German Meko 200 HN design). Commissioned by 1992/1998, with probably +/- 30 year of life, to be retired by late 2020’s.

10 Elli
(Elli, Limnos, Adrias, Aigaion, Navarinon, Kountouriotis, Boudoulina, Kanaris, Themistoklis, Nikiforos). 3500+ tons, 130 meters (Dutch S Frigates of the Kortenaer design, built by late 1970’s/early 1980’s). Greeks have upgraded 6 of these 10 frigates. The 4 ships not upgraded should be soon quickly removed from service (and likely used as a spare-parts). The 6 modernized frigates (Elli, Limnos, Adrias, Aegaeon, Navarinon, Kountouriotis) should remain in service until late 2010’s before being replaced by 4 to 6 newer (or second-hands ?) FFG's.

+/- 19 Fast Attack Missiles Ships (toward fewer ships...)
7 Roussen
(Roussen, Daniolos, Krystallidis, Grigoropoulos, Ritsos, Karathanasis, Vlahakos). 580 tons, 62 meters (British FAC design). Commissioned by 2002/2006, to remain in service until mid 2030’s.

5 Combattante IIIB
(Kavaloudis, Degiannis, Xenos, Simitzopoulos, Starakis). +/- 430 tons, 56 meters (French FAC design). Commissioned by 1980/1981, upgraded by 2006/2011, likely to remain in service until early 2020’s.

4 Combattante III
(Laskos, Blessas, Mykonios, Troupakis). +/- 400 tons, 56 meters (French FAC design). Commissioned by 1977/1978, upgraded by 2006, to remain in service until late 2010’s.

3 Combattante IIA
(Votsis, Pezopoulos, Maridakis). 250+ tons, 47 meters (Ex German FAC built early 1970’s). Transferred by 1995/2000. Now obsolete FAC, likely to be quickly retired due to age & financial problems.

+/- 7 Submarines (toward only 4 SSK by early 2020’s ?)
Up to 6 ? Papanikolis
(Papanikolis, Pipinos, Patrozos, Katsonis). 1800 tons, 65 meters (German Type 214 SSK design). The first SSK (Papanikolis, built in germany) suffered from major (nearly fatal) troubles/problems, but these problems was now officially corrected (dubious….). The others 3 were built in Grece with German help. Commissioned by 2010/2013, to remain in service until +/- 2040.

A option for 2 additionnal SSK (N° 5 & 6) was now “almost” cancelled by the Greek financial situation...Wait & See…

4 Poseidon
(Poseidon, Amphitriti, Okeanos, Pontos). 1800 tons, 64 meters (German Type 209/1200 SSK design). Commissioned by 1979, Mid-life upgrade (Neptune II program) partially cancelled (1st SSK “Okeanos “upgraded, others cancelled), with probable +/- 30 year of life, to be retired through 2010’s.

3 Glafkos
(Nireus, Triton, Proteus). 1200 tons, 54 meters (German Type 209/1100 SSK design). Commissioned by 1971/1972, upgraded (Neptune I program) by 1993/2000, with probable +/- 30 year of life, to be retired soon by early 2010’s.

6+ Corvettes/Off-Shore Patrol Vessels
2 Osprey 55
(Armatolos, Navhamos). 500+ tons, 54+ meters (Danish Design). Commissioned by 1990. 2 HSY-55 (Kasos, Polemistis). 500+ tons, 56 meters. Commissioned by 1993/1994.

4 Osprey HSY-55
(Machitis, Nikiphoros, Aittitos, Krataios). 575 tons, 56+ meters. Commissioned by 2003/2005.

2 Asheville
(Tolmi, Hormi). 225 tons, 50 meters (Ex-US Asheville Gunboat built by late 1960’s). Transferred by 1969. No longer in service, uncertain status.

9 Mineweespers
5 Alkyon
(Alkyon, Avra, Aidon, Kichli, Pleias). 300 tons, 44 meters (US MSC built). Commissioned by 1964/1968, likely to be retired during 2010’s.

2 Hunt
(Evropi, Kallisto). 750 tons, 62 meters (Ex British Hunt MCM built during 1980’s). Transferred by 1986/1988.

With probable another foreseable reduction of the Royal Navy, 2 Furthers "Hunt " MCM was expected to rejoin the Hellenic Navy in a near future…

2 Osprey
(Evniki, Kalypso). 800+ tons, 57 meters (ex-US Osprey MCM built during 1990’s). Transferred by 2008, to remain in service at least until late 2020’s.

5 Large Amphibious Ships
5 Jason
(Chios, Samos, Ikaria, Lesvos, Rodos). 4400 tons, 116 meters. Commissioned by 1996/2000, in service at least until late 2020’s/early 2030.

Small/Medium Amphibious Ships
5 LCU 520
(Ios, Paros, Sikinos, Irakleia, Pholegandros). 430 tons, 40 meters (German type 520 LCT built mid 1960’s). Transferred by 1989/1992.

1 or 2 ? Zubr
(Kefalonia, Ithaki, Kerkyra, Zakynthos). 500+ tons, 57 meters (Russian Zubr air-cushionned landing crafts). Commissioned by 2001/2005. Some already retired from active service due to lack of spare ?, maybe only 1 or 2 active ?

+/- 11 LCM
(ABM-20/30). 116 tons, 23+ meters (ex-German Type 521 LCM built by mid 1960’s). Transferred by 1991.

+/- 31 LCVP
- 12 LCVP 36
13 tons, 11 meters (German built). Commissioned by early 2000’s).
- 7 LCVP
13 tons, 11 meters (Greek built). Commissioned by 1980.
- Some ageing Ex-US LCVP
13 tons, 11 meters, all transferred by 1956/1971. Uncertain status ?

7 LCA
M-10C class, 26 tons, 20+ meters. Commissioned by early 2000’s

2 or 3 dozens of Ultra Fast Catamarans crafts for special forces, 7 meters. Commissioned through 2000’s.

+/- 17 Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels
6 Pyrpolitis
(Pyrpolitis, Polemistis, Mahistis, Nikiforos, Aititos, Krateos). 550 tons, 56 meters (modified Osprey design MPV design). Commissioned by 1993/2004.

2 Kelefstis Stamou
(Diopos Antoniou, Kelefstis Stamou). 80 tons, 32 meters (ex Cyprus crafts transferred to Greece). Commissioned by 1975, Uncertain status.

3 Thetis
(Niki, Doxa, Elevtheria). 550+ tons, 69 meters (ex German Type 420 ASW coastal crafts built early 1960’s). Transferred by 1991.

4 Nasty/Tjeld
(Andromeda, Kyknos, Pegasus, Toxotis). 82 tons, 24 meters (Ex-norwegian Tjeld MTB 1960’s built).

2 Esterel
(Diopos Antoniou, Kevevstis Stamou). Uncertain data/Status ?

6 Hydrographic/Oceanographic Survey Ships
1 Pytheas
(Pytheas). 670 tons, 50 meters. Commissioned by 1983.

1 Naftilos
(Naftilos). 1380 tons, 63 meters. Commissioned by 1973.

4 Naftilos
(Naftilos, Pytheas, Strabon, Akatos). Uncertain data ?

3 Fleet Tankers
1 Prometheus
(Prometheus). 6700 tons, 146 meters (Italian AOE design). Commissioned by 2003.

2 Axios
(Axios, Aliakmon). 3700 tons, 115 meters (ex-German Type 701C AO built by mid 1960’s). Transferred by 1991/1994.

4 Coastal Tankers
2 Zeus
(Zeus, Orion). 2100 tons, 67 meters improved from Ouranos design. Commissioned by 1989.

2 Ouranos
(Ouranos, Hyperion). 2100 tons, 67 meters. Commissioned by 1977.

6 Water Tankers
1 Zeus
(Stymfalia). 2100 tons, 67 meters (two sisters-ships configured as a fuel transports). Commissioned by 1990

3 Doirani
(Doirani, Prespa, Kalliroe). 850 tons, 54+ meters. Commissioned by 1972.

2 FW-1
(Kerkini, Trichonis). 600 tons, 44 meters (ex German FW-1 built by mid 1960’s). Transferred by 1976/1991.

+/- 4 Training Ships
1 Aris
(Aris). 2400 tons, 100 meters (can be reconfigured as a hospital ship). Commissioned by 1981.

3 small training crafts
(Maistros, Sorokos, Ostria). 12 tons, 14+ meters.

+/- 5 Personnal Transport
2 Pandora
(Pandora, Pandrosos). 350 tons, 46+ meters. Commissioned by 1973.

1 Strabon (Survey crafts/Transport Ships)
(Strabon). 250 tons, 32 meters. Commissioned by 1989.

2 Naxos
(Naxos, Serifos). Uncertain data ?

3 Lightouse/Net/Buoy Tenders Net/Buoy Tender
1 Thetis
(Thetis). 560 tons, 48+ meters (ex US Netlayer built by late 1950’s). Transferred by 1960.

2 Lykoudis
(Ikaravoyiannos Theophilopoulos, Lykoudis). 1350 tons, 63 meters. Commissioned by 1973/1976

5 Fleet Tugs
1 Atlas
(Atlas), 1100 tons, 62 meters (Ex British tug built by 1944 !). Transferred by 1979. Status uncertain ?

4 Type 430 (Ocean Tugs/torpedo-recovery vessels)
(Evrotas, Arachthos, Strymon, Nestos). 56 tons, 25 meters (Ex-German Type 430 craft built by mid 1960’s). Transferred by 1989/1991. Maybe one already retired ?

+/- 19 Coastal Tugs
2 Kiklops
(Kadmos, Kekrops). Commissioned by 1989.

3 Heraklis
(Heraklis, Jason, Odisseus). 340 tons, 30 meters. Commissioned by 1978.

2 Atromitos
(Atromitos, Adamastos). 300 tons, 30 meters. Commissioned by 1968.

3 YTM 764
(Achilleus, Alas, Perseus). 250 tons, 30 meters (ex US tug built by 1945). Transferred by 1947/1972.

2 Heppens
(Atreus, Theseus). 230 tons, 26 meters (ex German Heppens harbor tugs built by early 1970’s). Transferred by 1995/1999.

1 YTM 518
(Nestor). 260 tons, 30 meters (ex US YTM-518 tug built by 1945). Transferred by 1989.

1 YTM 174
(Danaos). 210 tons, 31 meters (ex-US YTM 174 built by 1942). Transferred by 1989.

4 Lutje Horn
(Pilefs, Minos, Pelias, Aegeus). 52 tons, 15 meters (ex German Lutje-Horn harbor tugs built by late 1950’s). Transferred by 1991.

1 Gigas
(Gigas). 290+ tons, 32 meters (ex-US Army 3006 harbor tug built by 1941). Transferred by 1961. Status uncertain, maybe already retired ?

HELLENIC COAST GUARDS (5500+)
+/- 15 Anti-Pollution ships
4 LS-413
(LS-413, 414, 415, 423). 200 tons, 29 meters. Commissioned by 1993/1994.

11 smaller crafts
(Uncertain data)

8 Fast Attack Ships/Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels
3 Sa’ar IV
(Fourniogo, Agios Eystratios and ?). 400+ tons, 58 meters (derived from the Israeli Sa’ar IV design). Transferred by 2003 (prior the 2004 Olympic games…).

1 Euro 250 Mk1
(LS-050). 245 tons, 47 meters. Built by 1994.

4 Dilos
(LS-010, 020, 030, 040). 75 tons, 29 meters (german built). Commissioned by 1977/1989.

76 to 150+ ? In-Shore Patrol Vessels
3 CB-90nex
(LS-134/136). 13+ tons, 16 meters (Swedish CB-90 craft design). Commissioned by 1998.

34 Sunquestor 53
(LS-115 to 123, 125 to 149). 23 tons, 16+ meters (British built). Commissioned by 1994/1996.

16 LS-51
(LS-51, 52, 101, 155, 156, 157, 252 and others). 13 tons, 13 meters. Built by ?

13 OL 44
13+ tons, 13+ meters.

10 Arun lifeboats
34 meters, 18 meters. Commissioned by 1997/1998.

Up to 86 others very small crafts (26 5+ meters; 17 7+ meters; 20 to 38 8+ meters; some Fireboats…). Unreliable data ?

Naval Aviation: 250
Aircrafts :
- 6 P-3B Orion.
- 2 CL-415 GR.

Helicopters:
- 11 S-70B Seahawk (ASW).
- 8 Bell 212.
- 2 SA-319 Alouette III (utility).

The Greek navy, despite "a respectable" fleet size, is preparing to undergo significant (EVEN MAJOR) reduction in the coming years. If the threat of the Turkish Navy has not completely disappeared, the greatest current threats are terrorism, illegal emigration, smugglers and infortunatly…financial threats....

Next fleet review/editorial: Future of the North-Korean Navy.

As usual, It may be that in my opinion, I forgot programs ? (or made few mistakes ?, especially for the auxiliary and smaller ships), then SAID IT ! Feel free to comment and give your opinion !