Hellenic Shipbuilders Association proposes 15-year naval program

The Hellenic Shipbuilders Association (EEN) has proposed a 15-year domestic shipbuilding program for warships and submarines to serve the naval needs of Greece and Cyprus. The proposal aims to establish production lines and promote maritime platforms for international export.

Presented during the Defence Industry Day organized by the General Directorate of Defense Equipment, the plan suggests a joint procurement policy between Greece and Cyprus, potentially utilizing EU funding. Panos Xenokostas, President of the EEN, emphasized that a binding 15-year program is the proven method for establishing a sustainable defense shipbuilding industry, citing South Korea as a successful historical example.

Greek shipyards are noted to possess the necessary infrastructure, technology, and expertise to begin immediate production. The initiative also involves cooperation with international partners, such as Hanwha Ocean, which has already signed agreements for the construction of submarines, frigates, and corvettes in Greece with US support.