Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Thales have partnered to modernize four Hellenic Navy MEKO 200 Hydra-class frigates.
The program will provide mid-life upgrades to extend their service life over their expected operability of 35 years.
Under the initiative, ThyssenKrupp will provide communication systems and design documents for the fleet’s upgrade.
A subcontract for associated works will be signed with Atlas Elektronik subsidiary Hagenuk Marinekommunikation.
The Kiel-based firm will award another subcontract to a local shipyard in Athens to work on the frigates’ modifications,
Meanwhile, Thales will supply combat systems and its proprietary Tacticos command and weapon management system for the Hydra vessels.
Thyssenkrupp and Thales are scheduled to receive the contract this year.
Maintaining Hellenic Navy Support
Greece’s defense ministry said in 2023 that it would spend approximately 500 million euros ($543 million) for the program, according to Athens news agency Kathimerini.
The consortium announced a partnership for the MEKO revamp following Greek parliamentary approval of the project in December 2023.
Both companies previously developed original equipment for the Hydra warships after the vessels’ introduction to the country in the 1990s.
“With the joint contract for the modernization of the frigates, we are once again a strong partner for the Hellenic Navy,” ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems CEO Oliver Burkhard stated.
“On the one hand, this further strengthens our order book and, on the other, underlines our role and strength as a maritime powerhouse that combines electronics, surface and underwater shipbuilding under one roof.”
MEKO 200 Frigates
The Hellenic Navy’s MEKO 200 Hydra frigate measures 117.5 meters (386 feet) in length and has a beam of 14.8 meters (48.7 feet)
Each ship under the class is powered by gas turbines, diesel engines, and controllable pitch propellers for a maximum speed of 57 kilometers (36 miles) per hour.
A Hydra vessel carries lightweight and automated guns, Harpoon missile launchers, Evolved SeaSparrow missiles, and torpedoes.
It has a platform for one Sikorsky Seahawk tactical rotorcraft and a capacity for up to 170 personnel.
