Submarine Proliferation

Greece Import Behavior

Capabilities | Import | Export

In an effort to match Turkish armament developments, Greece has been actively upgrading its existing submarine fleet of older German submarines.[1,2] The Greek armed forces modernization program also includes the acquisition of new submarines. In 1998, Greece agreed to order more German vessels; the 1999 contract was for three Type 214 submarines with an option on a fourth unit.[3,4] Contenders for the submarine deal included a modification of the Swedish Gotland-class produced by Kockums, and possibly the United Kingdom's four used Upholder-class units. However, the latter were leased to Canada in 1998.[5,11]

Source: http://www.hellas.org/military/navy

Like its previous submarine purchases, the Greek contract with HDW specified that the first Type 214 would be constructed in Germany, while subsequent units were to be built at Hellenic Shipyards (HS) in Greece.[6]

HDW agreed to provide technical assistance and training to HS personnel.[7,8] Further, the contract entailed the transfer of two ex-German Navy fast attack craft and offset deals equal to 115 percent of the value of the contract.[9,10] In 2001, HDW expanded its involvement further, by acquiring the Greek shipyard. As one U.S. and numerous European naval shipbuilders had been interested in taking over HS, where the majority of Greek submarines were to be assembled, this acquisition prevented the further transfer of HDW technology. By purchasing HS, HDW likely gained a significant advantage over its competitors for contracts from the Hellenic Navy as well.

In 2002, Greece executed its option for the purchase of a fourth Type 214 submarine and ordered the modernization of its latest three Type 209/1200 submarines with an option on a fourth vessel. The upgrade is to be undertaken at Hellenic Shipyards and will include the installation of AIP systems in the submarines.[1]

The long history of HDW submarine exports to Greece seems to indicate little German concern over the arms build-up in the Aegean Sea. Both former and current coalition governments in Germany have willingly supplied Greece, despite arms export guidelines that theoretically prohibit the sale of weapons to countries in areas of tension. However, as Greece is a member of NATO, German governments might have found it difficult to explain to their Greek counterparts that they could not supply them arms.

Sources:
[1] "Millionenauftrag fuer HDW aus Griechenland," Associated Press Worldstream, June 3, 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
[2] Theodore L. Valmas, "Last Poseidon upgrade completed," International Defense Review, April 16, 2000, Vol. 4, No. 8.
[3] Richard Scott, "Europe, Greece bolters Navy to keep pace with Turkey," Jane’s Defence Weekly, August 4, 1999, Vol. 32, No. 5.
[4] "Griechen kaufen drei deutsche U-Boote," Süddeutsche Zeitung, February 16, 2000; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
[5] Euthymius P. Petrou, "The procurement programme of the Greek Armed Forces," Military Technology, August 1998, Vol. 22, No. 8, pp. 4; in ProQuest Information and Learning Company, http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb.
[6] "Griechen kaufen drei deutsche U-Boote," Süddeutsche Zeitung, February 16, 2000; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
[7] Theodore L. Valmas, "International Defence Digest, Greece signs for three Type 214s," International Defense Review, April 1, 2000, Vol. 33, No. 4.
[8] Michael Nitz, "Construction starts on Greek Navy’s Type 214," Jane’s Defence Weekly, March 14, 2001.
[9] Leonidas Blaveris, "Headlines, Greece signs submarine deal," Jane’s Defence Weekly, February 23, 2000, Vol. 33, No. 8.
[10] Theodore L. Valmas, "Greece – More FAC(M) modernization," International Defense Review, December 16, 2002; in http://www.janes.com.
[11] A. D. Baker, Combat Fleets of the World 2000-2001.

This material is produced independently for NTI by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, agents. Copyright © 2007 by MIIS.