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{{Английская Википедия/Панель перехода}}
{{Short description|Maritime warfare branch of Greece's military}}
{{about|the naval forces of modern Greece|information on naval warfare in ancient Greece|Hellenistic-era warships}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = Hellenic Navy
| native_name                   = {{lang|el|Ελληνικό Πολεμικό Ναυτικό}}
| image                         = Hellenic Navy Seal.svg
| image_size                    = 150px
| caption                       = Hellenic Navy seal
| start_date                    = 1821 (''de facto'')<br />1828 (official)
| country                       = {{GRE}}
| allegiance                    = 
| role                          = National defense
| size                          = {{circa}} 30,000 active personnel<hr/>'''120''' [[warship]]s & auxiliary boats, including:<br/>13 frigates<br/>10 submarines<br/>19 missile boats<br>10 gunboats<br/>9 tank-landing ships<br/>6 patrol boats<br/>7 SOC (Special Ops)<br/> 48 fleet support & other auxiliary ships<hr/>'''3''' [[Museum ship|memorial ships]]<hr/>'''27''' [[aircraft]]
| command_structure             = [[Military of Greece|Hellenic Armed Forces]]
| patron                        = [[Saint Nicholas|St. Nicholas]]
| motto                         = {{lang|el|Μέγα τὸ τῆς θαλάσσης κράτος}}<br />"Great is the dominion of the sea"<ref name=Th1.143.5.en.Perseus>{{cite book |title=The Peloponnesian War |author=Thucydides |place=London; New York |publisher=J. M. Dent; E. P. Dutton |year=1910 |chapter=1.143.5 |chapter-url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0200%3Abook%3D1%3Achapter%3D143%3Asection%3D5}} At the [[Perseus Project]].</ref>
| colors                        = Blue, white & gold
| colors_label                  = 
| march                         = "The Aegean Sailor"
| battles                       = [[Greek War of Independence]]<br/>[[Greco-Turkish War (1897)]]<br>[[Balkan Wars]]<br>[[World War I]]<br>[[Russian Civil War]]<br/>[[Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922)]]<br/> [[World War II]]<br/> [[Operation Golden Fleece]]<br/> [[UNIFIL]]<br/> [[Operation Desert Storm]]<br/> [[Operation Desert Shield]]<br/> [[Operation Sharp Guard]]<br/>[[Operation Enduring Freedom]]<br/> [[Operation Active Endeavour]]<br/> [[Operation IFITOS]]<br/> [[Operation Atalanta]]<br/> [[Operation Ocean Shield]]<br/> [[2011 military intervention in Libya]]<br/> [[Operation Aginor]]<br/> [[War on Terror]]<br/> [[Operation Irini]]<br/> [[Operation Aspides]]
| website                       = [http://www.hellenicnavy.gr/ Hellenic Navy]
<!-- Commanders -->
| commander1                    = [[File:GR-Navy-OF8-sleeve.svg|15px]] [[Vice Admiral]]<br/>Dimitrios E. Kataras
| commander1_label              = [[Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff|Chief of the Navy General Staff]]
| notable_commanders            = Admiral<br/>[[Andreas Miaoulis]]<br/>Admiral<br/>[[Konstantinos Kanaris]]<br/>Admiral<br/>[[Pavlos Kountouriotis]]<br/>Vice Admiral<br/>[[Ioannis Demestichas]]
<!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol         = '''ΠΝ'''
| identification_symbol_label   = 
| identification_symbol_2       = [[Image:Flag of Greece.svg|borderless|100px]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = Naval ensign
| identification_symbol_3       = [[Image:Naval Jack of Greece.svg|borderless|80px]]
| identification_symbol_3_label = Naval jack
| identification_symbol_4       = [[Image:Hellenic Navy Masthead pennant.svg|borderless|120px]]
| identification_symbol_4_label = Pennant
}}

The '''Hellenic Navy''' ('''HN'''; {{lang-el|Πολεμικό Ναυτικό|Polemikó Naftikó|War Navy}}, abbreviated '''ΠΝ''') is the [[Navy|naval]] force of [[Greece]], part of the [[Hellenic Armed Forces]]. The modern Greek navy historically hails from the naval forces of various [[Aegean Islands]], which fought in the [[Greek War of Independence]]. During the periods of [[Kingdom of Greece|monarchy]] (1833–1924 and 1936–1973) it was known as the '''Royal Hellenic Navy''' ({{lang|el|Βασιλικόν Ναυτικόν}}, {{transliteration|el|Vasilikón Naftikón}}, abbreviated '''ΒΝ''').

The Hellenic Navy is a [[Green-water navy]]. The total displacement of the fleet is approximately 150,000 tons. The HN also operates a number of naval aviation units.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

The motto of the Hellenic Navy is "Μέγα τὸ τῆς θαλάσσης κράτος" from [[Thucydides]]' account of [[Pericles]]' oration on the eve of the [[Peloponnesian War]].<ref name=Th1.143.5.gr.Perseus>{{cite book |title=Historiae in two volumes |author=Thucydides |place=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1942 |chapter=1.143.5 |language=el |chapter-url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0199%3Abook%3D1%3Achapter%3D143%3Asection%3D5}} At the Perseus Project.</ref><ref>[[Thucydides]], [[wikisource:History of the Peloponnesian War/Book 1#1:143|''History of the Peloponnesian War'', 1.143]].</ref> This has been translated as "The rule of the sea is a great matter".<ref name=Th1.143.5.en.Perseus/> The Hellenic Navy's emblem consists of an [[anchor]] in front of a crossed [[Christian cross]] and [[trident]], with the cross symbolizing [[Greek Orthodox Church|Greek Orthodoxy]], and the trident symbolizing [[Poseidon]], the god of the sea in [[Greek mythology]]. Pericles' words are written across the top of the emblem.

{{blockquote|"The Navy, as it represents a necessary weapon for Greece, should only be created for war and aim to victory."|Greek Government (1866)}}

==History==
{{main|History of the Hellenic Navy}}

The history of the Hellenic Navy begins with the birth of modern [[Greece]], and due to the maritime nature of the country, it has always featured prominently in modern Greece's military history.

===The Navy during the Revolution (1821–1830)===
[[Image:The burning of the Turkish flagship by Kanaris.png|thumb|left|150px|The destruction of the Ottoman flagship at [[Chios]] by [[Konstantinos Kanaris]]. Painting by [[Nikiphoros Lytras]].]]

At the beginning of the [[Greek War of Independence]], the naval forces of the Greeks consisted primarily of the merchant fleet of the [[Saronic Gulf|Saronic]] islanders from [[Hydra, Saronic Islands|Hydra]], [[Spetsai]] and [[Poros]] and also the islanders of [[Psara]] and [[Samos]]. The fleet was of crucial importance to the success of the revolution. Its goal was to prevent as much as possible the Ottoman Navy from resupplying the isolated Ottoman garrisons and land reinforcements from the [[Ottoman Empire]]'s Asian provinces.

Although Greek crews were experienced seamen, the light Greek ships, mostly armed merchantmen, were unable to stand up to the large Ottoman [[Ship of the line|ships of the line]] in direct combat. So the Greeks conducted the equivalent of modern-day naval special operations, resorting to the use of [[fireship]]s ({{lang-el|πυρπολικά}} or {{lang|el|μπουρλότα}}), with great success. It was in the use of such ships that courageous seamen like [[Konstantinos Kanaris]] won international renown. Under the leadership of capable admirals, most prominently [[Andreas Miaoulis]] from Hydra, the Greek fleet achieved early victories, guaranteeing the survival of the revolution in the mainland.

However, as Greeks became embroiled in civil wars, the Sultan called upon his strongest subject, [[Muhammad Ali of Egypt]], for aid. Plagued by internal strife and financial difficulties in keeping the fleet in constant readiness, the Greeks failed to prevent the capture and destruction of [[Kasos]] and [[Psara]] in 1824, or the landing of the Egyptian army at [[Methoni, Messenia|Modon]]. Despite victories at [[Samos]] and Gerontas, the Revolution was threatened with collapse until the intervention of the Great Powers in the [[Battle of Navarino]] in 1827. There the Egypto-Ottoman fleet was decisively defeated by the combined fleets of the [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|Britain]], [[July Monarchy|France]] and the [[Russian Empire]], effectively securing the independence of Greece.

When [[Ioannis Capodistrias]] became governor of newly liberated Greece in 1828, the Greek fleet consisted of few remaining ships, which had participated in the war for independence. The first minister of "Naval affairs" was Konstantinos Kanaris, and the most powerful ship of the fleet at that time, the frigate [[Greek frigate Hellas|''Hellas'']], had been constructed in the [[United States]] in 1825. The Hellenic Navy established its headquarters at the island of [[Poros]] and the building of a new series of ships began at the naval base,<ref name="History of Hellenic Navy">{{cite web |title=History of Hellenic Navy |url=https://www.hellenicnavy.gr/en/history-tradition/history-of-hellenic-navy.html |website=www.hellenicnavy.gr |access-date=6 December 2020}}</ref> while old ships were gradually being retired. Furthermore, continuous efforts towards the education of officers were initiated. Young people were initially trained at the military school of [[Scholi Evelpidon]] and afterwards they were transferred to the navy, as there was no such thing as a Naval Academy.<ref name="autogenerated1">[http://www.hellenicnavy.gr/history_en.asp#a3 Official website of the Hellenic Navy] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070822184913/http://www.hellenicnavy.gr/history_en.asp|date=2007-08-22}}.</ref>

In 1831, Greece descended into [[anarchy]] with numerous areas, including [[Mani Peninsula|Mani]] and [[Hydra, Saronic Islands|Hydra]], in revolt. It was during this revolt that the flagship [[Greek frigate Hellas|''Hellas'']], docked at Poros, was set on fire by Admiral Andreas Miaoulis.<ref>Politics and Statecraft in the Kingdom of Greece, John Anthony Petropulos, Princeton University Press, 1968.</ref> Capodistrias was assassinated a few months after.

===The Royal Hellenic Navy of King Otto (1830–1860)===
[[File:Battle_of_Itea.jpg|thumb|right|The Greek fleet in the [[Battle of Itea]] by [[Yiannis Poulakas]]]]

When the new [[Otto of Greece|King Otto]] arrived in the Greek capital, [[Nafplion]], in 1832 aboard the British warship [[HMS Madagascar (1822)|HMS ''Madagascar'']], the Greek fleet consisted of one corvette, three brigs, six schooners, two gunboats, two steamboats and a few more small vessels. The first naval school was founded in 1846 on the corvette ''[[Greek corvette Loudovikos|Loudovikos]]'' and [[Leonidas Palaskas]] was assigned as its director. However, the inefficient training of the officers, coupled with conflict between those who pursued [[modernization]] and those who were stalwarts of the traditions of the veterans of the struggle for independence, resulted in a restricted and inefficient navy, which was limited to policing the sea and the pursuit of [[Pirate|pirates]].

During the 1850s, the more progressive elements of the navy won out and the fleet was augmented with more ships. In 1855, the first iron propeller-driven ships were ordered from England. These were the steamships ''{{ill|Panopi|el|Πανόπη Ι (ατμόπλοιο)}}'', ''[[Pliksavra]]'', ''{{ill|Afroessa|el|Αφρόεσσα (ατμοημιολία)}}'', and ''[[Sfendoni]]''.<ref name=autogenerated1 />

===Growth of the Navy under King George (1860–1910)===
[[File:Greek Navy uniforms, ca. 1890-1910.jpg|thumb|right|Navy uniforms in the 1890s]]
[[File:Psara2.jpg|thumb|Battleship ''[[Greek ironclad Psara|Psara]]'']]

On October 29, 1863, following an enthronement ceremony in his native Copenhagen and a tour of several of the European capitals, Prince Wilhelm of Denmark arrived aboard the Greek flagship ''Hellas'', to take up the throne as [[King George I of Greece]]. During the 1866 [[Crete|Cretan]] revolt, the Royal Hellenic Navy ships were in no condition to support it. Such failure led to the government awakening to the problem of naval insufficiency and the adoption of a policy stating that: "The navy, as it represents a necessary weapon for Greece, should only be created for war and aim to victory." Because of this, the fleet was supplied with new and bigger ships, reflecting a number of innovations including the use of iron in shipbuilding industry and the invention of the torpedo; with these advances, the effectiveness and the appearance of the Hellenic Navy changed.

Meanwhile, after 1878, because of the [[Russo-Turkish War, 1877-1878|Russo-Turkish War]] and the need to expand the Greek navy, a new and larger naval base was established in the area of Faneromeni of [[Salamis Island|Salamis]] and a few years later it was transferred to the area of Arapis where it remains today. At the same time the [[Hellenic Naval Academy|Naval Academy]] was founded and [[Ilias Kanellopoulos]] was made Director. A [[French naval mission to Greece (1884–1890)|French naval mission]], headed by Admiral {{ill|Laurent Joseph Lejeune|fr}}, introduced a new, advanced naval organization and the methodological training of enlisted personnel through the establishment of a training school in the old building of the naval base in Poros. During the government of [[Charilaos Trikoupis]] in 1889, the fleet was further increased with the acquisition of new battleships: ''[[Greek ironclad Hydra|Hydra]]'', ''[[Greek ironclad Spetsai|Spetsai]]'', and ''[[Greek ironclad Psara|Psara]]'' from France. Thus, when Greece went to war in the [[Greco-Turkish War (1897)|Greco-Turkish War]] in 1897, the Hellenic Navy established its dominance in the Aegean Sea. However, it was unable to change the outcome of the war on land, which was a national humiliation.

In 1907, the [[Hellenic Navy General Staff]] ({{lang|el|Γενικό Επιτελείο Ναυτικού}}) was founded, with then-Captain [[Pavlos Kountouriotis]] as its first head. After the war, in 1897, the Ottoman Empire embarked on a program of naval expansion for its fleet and as a response to that, in 1909, the cruiser [[Greek cruiser Georgios Averof|''Georgios Averof'']] was bought from Italy. In 1910, a [[British naval mission to Greece (1911–1915)|British naval mission]] arrived, headed by Admiral [[Lionel Grant Tufnell]], in order to recommend improvements in the organization and training of the navy. The mission led to the adoption of the British style of management, organization and training, especially in the area of strategy.

===Balkan Wars (1912–1913)===
<!-- [[File:Miltiadis Thon, Greek fleet.jpg|thumb|right|The Greek fleet by Miltiadis Thon (1912)]] -->
[[File:Ottoman vs Greek fleet, 1913.png|thumb|right|Diagram by the French ''[[L'Illustration]]'', depicting the opposed Greek and Ottoman fleets in the [[Battle of Lemnos (1913)|Battle of Lemnos]]]]

Shortly before the [[Balkan Wars]], the Navy was composed of a fleet of destroyers and battleships. Its mission was primarily offensive, aiming to capture the Ottoman-held islands of the Eastern Aegean and establish naval supremacy. To that end, its commander-in-chief, Rear Admiral [[Pavlos Kountouriotis]], established a forward base at the [[Moudros]] bay at [[Lemnos]], directly opposite the [[Dardanelles]] straits. After defeating the two Turkish sallies from the Straits at [[Naval Battle of Elli|Elli]] (December 1912) and [[Naval Battle of Lemnos|Lemnos]] (January 1913), the Aegean Sea was secured for Greece.

The Balkan Wars were followed by a rapid escalation in 1914 between Greece and the Ottoman Empire over the status of the islands of the eastern Aegean. Both governments embarked on a naval armaments race, with Greece purchasing the battleships {{ship|Greek battleship|Lemnos||2}} and {{ship|Greek battleship|Kilkis||2}} and the light cruiser {{ship|Greek cruiser|Elli||2}} as well as ordering two [[dreadnought]]s, {{ship|Greek battleship|Vasilefs Konstantinos||2}} and {{ship|Greek battleship|Salamis||2}} and a number of destroyers. However, with the outbreak of the [[First World War]], construction of the dreadnoughts stopped.

===World War I and aftermath (1914–1935)===
{{see also|The Hellenic Navy in 1917}}
[[Image:RHS Lemnos.jpg|thumb|Greek battleship {{ship|Greek battleship|Lemnos||2}} and torpedo boat ''Dafni'' during the [[occupation of Constantinople]], 1919]]

Initially during the war, Greece followed a course of neutrality, with the Prime Minister [[Eleftherios Venizelos]] favouring the [[Triple Entente|Entente]] and pro-German [[Constantine I of Greece|King Constantine I]] advocating neutrality. This dispute eventually led to a deep political conflict, known as the "[[National Schism]]". In November 1916, in order to apply pressure on the royal government in Athens, the French confiscated the Greek ships. They continued to operate with French crews, primarily in convoy escort and patrol duties in the Aegean, until Greece entered the war on the side of the Allies in June 1917, at which point they were returned to Greece. Subsequently, the Navy took part in the Allied operations in the Aegean, in the [[Allied intervention in the Russian Civil War|Allied expedition]] in support of [[Denikin]]'s [[White Armies]] in [[Ukraine]], and in limited operations during the [[Greco-Turkish War of 1919–1922]] in Asia Minor.

After Greece's defeat, the 1920s and early 1930s were a politically turbulent period, with the economy in a bad state,<ref name="History of Hellenic Navy"/> so the Navy received no new units, apart from the modernization of four destroyers and the acquisition of six French submarines in 1927 and four [[Freccia-class destroyer|Italian destroyers]] in 1929.

===World War II (1939–1945)===
{{further|Military history of Greece during World War II}}
[[File:Averof in camo,1942.jpg|thumb|HS ''[[Greek cruiser Georgios Averof|Georgios Averof]]'' (nicknamed ''Uncle George'') in camouflage paint, RN Bombay Station, 1942, while serving under UK Royal Navy command]]
[[File:Greek destroyer Adrias.jpg|thumb|Destroyer ''[[Greek destroyer Adrias (L67)|Adrias]]'' (L67) sailing to Alexandria with her bow missing, 1943]]

In 1938, Greece ordered four modern [[G and H-class destroyer#Royal Hellenic Navy ships|''Greyhound''-class]] destroyers in British shipyards, making a serious step towards modernization. The outbreak of war in Europe, however, allowed only two to be delivered. Greece entered World War II with a navy consisting of two battleships, one armoured cruiser, one protected cruiser, fourteen destroyers, and six submarines.<ref>{{cite book |author=Vice Admiral C. Paizis-Paradellis, HN |title=Hellenic Warships 1829–2001 |location=Athens, Greece |publisher=The Society for the study of Greek History |year=2002 |page=205 |isbn=960-8172-14-4 |edition=3rd}}</ref>

During the [[Greco-Italian War]], the Navy took over convoy escort missions in the [[Ionian Sea]] and even embarked on three raids against the Italian supply convoys in the [[Strait of Otranto]], although without success. The most important role was given to the submarines, which although obsolete, sank some Italian cargo ships in the Adriatic, losing one submarine in the process. The Greek submarine force (six boats) was however too small to be able to seriously hinder the supply lines between Italy and Albania (between 28 October 1940 and 30 April 1941, Italian ships made 3,305 voyages across the Otranto straits, carrying 487,089 military personnel, including 22 field [[Division (military)|divisions]], and 584,392 tons of supplies while losing overall only seven merchant ships and one escort ship).<ref>Pier Filippo Lupinacci, Vittorio Emanuele Tognelli, ''La difesa del traffico con l'Albania, la Grecia e l'Egeo'', Ufficio Storico della Marina Militare, Rome 1965, pp. 47–49.</ref>

When [[Nazi Germany]] [[Battle of Greece|attacked Greece]], the RHN suffered heavily at the hands of the [[Luftwaffe]], with 25 ships, including the old battleship, now artillery training ship, ''Kilkis'' and the hulk of her sister ''Lemnos'', lost within a few days in April 1941. It was then decided to shift the remaining fleet (one cruiser – the famous {{ship|Greek cruiser|Georgios Averof||2}} – three destroyers and five submarines) to join up with the [[British Mediterranean Fleet]] at [[Alexandria]].

As the war progressed, the number of Hellenic Royal Navy vessels increased after the concession of several destroyers and submarines by the British [[Royal Navy]]. The most notable aspects of the Hellenic Royal Navy's participation in World War II include the operations of the destroyer {{ship|Greek destroyer|Vasilissa Olga|D 15|2}} which, until sunk in [[Leros]] on September 23, 1943, was the most successful Allied destroyer in the [[Mediterranean Sea]]; the participation of two destroyers in [[Operation Overlord]]; and the story of the destroyer ''[[HMS Border (L67)#RHNS Adrias (L67)|Adrias]]'', which while operating close to the coast of [[Kalymnos]] in October 1943 hit a mine, resulting in the loss of the vessel's prow, while blowing the two-gun forward turret over the bridge. After some minor repairs at Gümüşlük Bay in Turkey ''Adrias'' managed to return to Alexandria in a {{convert|400|mi|km|adj=on}} trip, even though all the forepart of the ship, up to the bridge, was missing.

===Post-war era (1945–1980)===
[[Image:HS Kanaris D212(starboard).png|thumb|The destroyer ''[[:el:Κανάρης IV (αντιτορπιλικό)|Kanaris]]'' (D212), a few weeks before decommission]]

After [[World War II]], the Royal Hellenic Navy was significantly strengthened by the concession of British and Italian ships. The organisation also changed in line with modern naval doctrines of that era after the entrance into [[NATO]] in 1952. At the beginning of the 1950s, US military aid formed the core of the country's armed forces. The Royal Hellenic Navy received the first ''Bostwick''-class destroyers which took on the name ''Beasts'' (Θηρία), while withdrawing the British ones.

The next significant change was during the early 1970s, when Greece was the first Mediterranean naval force to order missile-equipped [[fast attack craft]] (Combattante II) and the [[Type 209 submarine]]s, whereas US military aid continued in the form of [[Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization|FRAM II]] type destroyers. In 1979, the Hellenic Navy placed an order in the [[Netherlands]] for two modern [[Kortenaer-class frigate|Standard-class]] frigates (the {{sclass|Elli|frigate|4}}). These were the first acquisitions of new main surface vessels, rather than the use of second-hand ships, in almost four decades.

===Modern era (1980-2022)===
[[File:USS Berkeley (DDG-15) underway in the Pacific Ocean on 2 August 1984 (6392223).jpg|thumb|right|The ''Charles F. Adams''-destroyer USS ''Berkeley'' in 1984, later in Greek service as HS ''Themistocles'' (D221)]]

The arrivals of ''Hydra'' class [[MEKO|(MEKO 200 HN)]] and more Standard-class frigates along with the orders for more missile corvettes, ''Poseidon''-class ([[Type 209 submarine|Type 209]]) submarines and naval helicopters allowed the retirement of the obsolete vessels. Greece also received four {{sclass|Charles F. Adams|destroyer|2}}<nowiki/>s from the US Navy in 1991–1992. All four were decommissioned after only ten years in service, since their electronics and armament eventually became obsolete and they required large crews. The advance continued when Greece ordered [[Type 214 submarine]]s that feature an [[air-independent propulsion]] (AIP) system, [[UH-60 Black Hawk|Sikorsky S-70B-6/10 Aegean Hawk]] helicopters and Project 1232.2 [[Zubr-class LCAC|''Zubr''-class hovercraft]] from [[Russia]] and [[Ukraine]]. Later actions included the modernization of Standard-class frigates with new electronics and radar systems and the modernization of ''Glaukos'' and ''Poseidon''-class submarines with new sonars, electronics and air-independent propulsion engines (programs Neptune I/II).

==Fleet overview==
The Hellenic Navy maintains a large number of surface vessels and submarines in its inventory. However, the vast majority of warships in active service are in the process of either being replaced by more modern and advanced designs, being refurbished, or being retired. The Navy is awaiting delivery of 3 FDI Belharra frigates from France with an option for 1 more after the [[Greek Prime Minister]] announced the purchase from Greece of 4 new multirole heavy frigates in September 2020, that will replace older ''Elli'' class vessels. Deliberations with other parties, including the United States and Germany, lasted for months after France was eventually awarded the contract. He also announced the immediate upgrade of all 4 ''Hydra (Meko-200HN)'' class frigates, already in service.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Darling |first1=Daniel |title=Greece Commits to Upgrading its Military Capabilities |url=https://dsm.forecastinternational.com/wordpress/2020/09/15/greece-commits-to-upgrading-its-military-capabilities/ |website=Defense Security Monitor |access-date=1 November 2020 |date=15 September 2020}}</ref> Greece has also signed on to a program between Italy and France in making a new multirole heavy corvette, with Spain joining as well. The program, dubbed the European Patrol Corvette, has also been inserted in the EU's so-called Permanent Structured Cooperation. Naviris expected the EU fund to issue a Request for Proposal for projects in 2020, with proposals to then be submitted by industry in 2021, and for decisions on fund allocation to be made the same year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/02/07/spain-seen-joining-greece-france-italy-on-european-patrol-corvette-program/ |title=Spain seen joining Greece, France, Italy on European Patrol Corvette program |date=2020-02-07 |access-date=2021-11-10 |first=Tom |last=Kingston |work=defensenews}}</ref> Also, plans for the Hellenic Navy to acquire the [[Sa'ar 72-class corvette|Sa'ar 72 Israeli corvette]] of the new ''Themistocles'' class [https://themistoclescorvette.com] came to fruition after an agreement signed in June 2020, with exclusive production in Greece.

=== Frigates and heavy corvettes ===
[[File:FTI1 Domenjod 20102016 OCT 2016 011.jpg|thumb|right|Scale model of the [[Frégates de taille intermédiaire|FTI ''Belharra'']], revealed at the 2016 Euronaval exhibition and proposed by [[France]].]]

Frigates are the main heavy ships of the Navy, with 70% of the [[Hydra-class frigate|''Hydra'' class frigates]] having an advanced anti-aircraft missile launching system. However, there is no dedicated [[Anti-aircraft warfare|Anti-aircraft Warfare (AAW)]] platform in the fleet since the ''Charles F. Adams'' class destroyers were decommissioned in the late 90s. The oldest ship in the frigate fleet is just over 40 years old ([[HNLMS Kortenaer (1976)|HS ''Kountouriotis'']], commissioned in 1978) while the youngest ship is just over 20 years old ([[Greek frigate Salamis|HS ''Salamis'']], commissioned in 1998). None of the ships was equipped with a [[Remote controlled weapon station|remote weapon station (RWS)]] for the purpose of asymmetric warfare and coastal defence and the [[Electronic countermeasure|electronic countermeasures systems (ECM)]] were absent or obsolete. [[Raytheon]] has now installed new electro-optical systems on the ships that were previously not equipped with such sensors. It is certain that ''Hydras'' will undergo a modernization program but its scale is not yet known. Plan for the ''Hydras'' is to extend their operational lifespan well into the 2030s. However, the [[Elli-class frigate|''Elli'' class frigates]] need to be replaced by new designs.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Darling |first1=Daniel |title=Greece Commits to Upgrading its Military Capabilities |url=https://dsm.forecastinternational.com/wordpress/2020/09/15/greece-commits-to-upgrading-its-military-capabilities/ |website=Defense Security Monitor |access-date=7 December 2020 |date=15 September 2020}}</ref>

The acquisition of two, with an option for two more, [[Naval Group]] [[Frégates de taille intermédiaire|FDI ''Belharra'' frigates]] with high-end AAW and deep missile strike (DMS utilising [[Storm Shadow|Scalp EG Naval]]) capabilities from France was put on hold in July 2020, despite an intense interest initially expressed by the Navy. Main reasons for this policy change by the Greek Government, were reported to be the increased cost of almost €3 billion for only 2 units, the exclusion by the French of co-production and the delayed delivery of the first unit, placing it in 2025 at the earliest.<ref>{{cite web |title=Frégates FDI : la France touchée, coulée en Grèce ? |url=https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/fregates-fdi-la-france-touchee-coulee-en-grece-852933.html |website=La Tribune |date=16 July 2020 |access-date=31 July 2020 |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Greece's sudden "no" for French Belharra frigates amidst rising tensions with Turkey |url=https://armynow.net/greece-france-belharra-frigates-turkey-mediterranean/ |website=ARMYNOW.NET |access-date=31 July 2020 |date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Meanwhile, the [[United States]] had proposed the acquisition of four [[Freedom-class littoral combat ship|Multi-Mission Surface Combatants (''Freedom'' class MMSCs)]], also known as [[Littoral combat ship]]s, that are already in full production for [[Saudi Arabia]], also tested and in use by the [[US Navy]]. The Germans came to the table with the Meko-A200 design, a new and advanced version of the Meko-200HN, that could additionally offer homogeneity to the fleet, especially after the upgrade of the ships already in service.<ref>{{cite web |title=Greece may acquire German frigates to boost defense as tensions with Turkey rise in the Mediterranean |url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2020/september/8991-greece-may-acquire-german-frigates-to-boost-defense-as-tensions-with-turkey-rise-in-mediterranean.html |website=www.navyrecognition.com |access-date=6 December 2020}}</ref>

On November 6, 2020, the Navy submitted its initial preference for the acquisition of 4 MMSC Littoral Combat Ships developed by [[Lockheed Martin]]. These multi-mission frigates were part of a wider package discussed with the US,<ref>{{cite web |title=Hellenic Navy plans to purchase four American-made Multi-Mission Surface Combatant MMSC frigates |url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2020/november/9242-hellenic-navy-plans-to-purchase-four-american-made-multi-mission-surface-combatant-mmsc-frigates.html |website=www.navyrecognition.com |access-date=9 November 2020}}</ref> that also included upgrade of the four ''Hydra'' frigates, intermediate solution ships, and participation of [[Hellenic Shipyards]] in the development of the new American FFG(X) type frigate. The FFG(X) type frigate, now named [[Constellation-class frigate|''Constellation'' class]], is a multi-mission guided-missile ship, under development for the [[United States Navy]] by [[Fincantieri Marinette Marine]]. However all other proposals, also including those from the Netherlands, the UK, Spain and Italy, remained on the table pending closest evaluation of the packages offered by all participating companies. The final decision by the [[Greek Government]] on the type and country of origin of the new Hellenic ships, was scheduled for 2021.

Final decision was made in September 28 of 2021 and after many months of deliberations. During his visit to the French capital and his meeting with President Emmanuel Macron, Greek Prime Minister [[Kyriakos Mitsotakis]] announced the procurement of 3+1 French FDI-HN Frigates and 3+1 Gowind-HN class Corvettes in a €5 billion deal spreading to 2026,<ref>{{cite web |title=Greece to buy French warships in boost for EU defence |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210928-greece-to-buy-french-warships-in-boost-for-eu-defence |website=France 24 |access-date=29 September 2021 |language=en |date=28 September 2021}}</ref> with the later class still being configured to meet the Hellenic Navy's needs.

It is almost certain that two types will replace the ''Ellis'', in order to maintain a ceiling of at least 10 frigates/corvettes. A floating scenario was the purchase of heavy corvettes to replace a number of old ''Ellis''. This scenario has become increasingly more possible, after Greece joined [[Italy]] and [[France]] in the ''European Patrol Corvette'' (EPC/PESCO)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kington |first1=Tom |title=Spain seen joining Greece, France, Italy on European Patrol Corvette program |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/02/07/spain-seen-joining-greece-france-italy-on-european-patrol-corvette-program/ |website=Defense News |access-date=9 February 2020 |date=7 February 2020}}</ref> consortium in early 2020 for the construction of a new advanced 3,000 ton corvette, with [[Spain]] joining the program as well. New ships, for all involved Navies, are not likely to enter service before 2027 or 2030 at the earliest.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Archus |first1=Dorian |title=Spain officially joins European Patrol Corvette (EPC) program |url=https://navalnews.net/spain-officially-joins-european-patrol-corvette-epc-program/ |website=Naval News |access-date=30 June 2020 |date=11 May 2020}}</ref>

=== Submarines ===
Greece maintains a mixed fleet of modern and older submarine units. In December 2019, the [[Hellenic Ministry of Defence]] resolved a lingering issue, regarding the new [[Type 214 submarine|Type-214 (''Papanikolis'' class)]] torpedoes. An order for new multipurpose heavyweight [[DM2A4|SeaHake Mod4]] torpedoes, from [[Atlas Elektronik]], was placed.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vavasseur |first1=Xavier |title=Hellenic Navy Signs Heavyweight Torpedo Deal with Atlas Elektronik |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/11/hellenic-navy-signs-heavyweight-torpedo-deal-with-atlas-elektronik/ |website=Naval News |access-date=3 November 2020 |date=2 November 2020}}</ref> The contract also included the upgrade of older torpedoes and the purchase of new torpedo batteries. The six older and non-modernized Type-209 units (''Poseidon'' and ''Glavkos'' classes) will be gradually retired, without any replacement announced yet. The optimistic scenario is replacement with four additional Type-214s, reaching a ceiling of eight units of this type. By 2030, the recently upgraded Type-209/1500 AIP (HS ''Okeanos'', former Type-209/1200) will have exceeded 50 years since entering service; therefore it is questionable whether it will still be part of the Greek fleet by that time.

=== Other surface combatants ===
There were two new ''Roussen'' class [[Fast attack craft|Fast Attack Missile Craft (FAMC)]] under construction, bringing the number of vessels of this type up to seven; The 6th ship was commissioned operational in July 2020,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vavasseur |first1=Xavier |title=Hellenic Navy Commissioned its 6th Roussen-class FACM |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/07/hellenic-navy-commissioned-its-6th-roussen-class-facm/ |website=Naval News |access-date=31 July 2020 |date=31 July 2020}}</ref> with the 7th and final ship expected Autumn 2020. This was after a more than ten-year delay due to financial and structural problems faced by [[Elefsis Shipyard]] that was contracted to build the ships. There are no changes in the initial design, despite 20 years since the first vessel in the class entered service. The majority of the FAC were built in the late ‘70s. Four of them have been modernised extensively and the new ships have integrated all updates. All older vessels of other types, with the exemption of three [[La Combattante IIa-class fast attack craft|''Votsis'' class]] boats which are about to be retired soon with the introduction of the new ''Roussens'', have replaced their old MM38 and Penguin missile systems with Harpoon launchers. In addition, the boats that had no electro-optical tracking (Mirador) sensors, received new endogenous Miltech [http://www.miltech.gr/] TDR-10A and TDR-300 systems.<ref>{{cite web |title=Σημαντική αναβάθμιση δυνατοτήτων του ΠΝ με εγκατάσταση νέων ηλεκτροπτικών αισθητήρων σε πλοία |url=https://www.ptisidiastima.com/made-in-greece-eo-systems-for-hellenic-navy-ships/ |website=Πτήση & Διάστημα |publisher=In Greek |access-date=7 December 2020 |language=el |date=7 October 2018}}</ref>

The fleet also consists of ten [[gunboat]]s. With the exception of the four [[Osprey HSY-56A-class gunboat|''Machitis'' class (Osprey HSY-56A)]], the rest of the gunboats need modernization and, some of them, replacement. The two ''Asheville'' class boats are at least 50 years old. The remaining four boats (Osprey-55 and HSY-56) have already received new electro-optical systems. On June 16, 2020, [https://www.onexsyrosshipyards.com/ ONEX Neorion Shipyards SA] in the Greek island of [[Syros]] and [[Israel Shipyards |Israel Shipyards LTD]] signed a cooperation agreement for the construction of the ''Themistocles'' class corvette during Greek PM's visit to [[Israel]]. This is a multipurpose warship based on the Israeli [[Sa'ar 72-class corvette]] design, at 72 meters length and displacement of around 800 tons. It will be able of speeds above 30 knots with an extended endurance. It can operate a medium size marine helicopter, but also supports unique possibilities of deploying Special Forces units. The agreement was for the construction in Greece of 7 vessels, with an option for 6 more.<ref>{{cite web |last=Tugwell |first=Paul |title=Shipyards in Greece and Israel Agree to Build Navy Corvette |url=https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/shipyards-in-greece-and-israel-agree-to-build-navy-corvette-1.1454754 |website=bnnbloomberg.ca |access-date=23 June 2020 |date=23 June 2020}}</ref> These will replace an equal number of older gunboats.

In February 2020, at a special event held at the Hellenic Institute of Naval Technology (HINT), the technical director of the Unit of Submersibles and Hellenic Navy Works of [[Hellenic Shipyards Co.]], presented project ''Aginor''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Epachtitis |first1=Thanos S. |title=Ελληνικά Ναυπηγεία Α.Ε.: Το σκάφος Ανορθοδόξου Πολέμου ΑΓΗΝΩΡ |url=https://www.ptisidiastima.com/aginor/ |website=Πτήση & Διάστημα |access-date=15 February 2020 |language=el |date=14 February 2020}}</ref> The project was the development and construction, in collaboration with the Navy, of an advanced [[Asymmetric Warfare]] Vessel (AWV) that uses the latest technologies and composite materials. The first vessels have already been added to the Navy’s fleet. They are capable of a number of missions including insertion and extraction of Special Operations Forces, interdiction and coastal patrol, as well as search and rescue (SAR) operations.

In April 2020 the Navy received the first four [[Mark V Special Operations Craft]], ordered via the United States ''Excess Defense Articles'' programme. The craft are utilised by the [[Underwater Demolition Command]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.janes.com/article/78397/greece-to-acquire-ex-us-mark-v-speedboats?from_rss=1 |first=Igor |last=Bozinovski |publisher=[[Jane's Information Group]] |date=March 7, 2018 |title=Greece to acquire ex-US Mark V speedboats}}</ref>

=== Aircraft ===
In 2019, the U.S. State Department cleared a $600 million foreign military sale (FMS) of seven [[MH-60R Seahawk]] multi-mission helicopters to Greece.<ref>{{cite web |title=Greece Approved to Purchase MH-60R Helicopters from US |url=https://www.overtdefense.com/2019/07/16/greece-approved-to-purchase-mh-60r-helicopters-from-us/ |website=Overt Defense |access-date=31 July 2020 |language=en-CA |date=16 July 2019}}</ref> In July 2020, Greece signed a contract for the purchase of four new units, via this program. In November of the same year, the remaining three aircraft were also included in the order.<ref>{{cite web |title=Greece Signs LOA to Purchase 4 MH-60R, Modernize S-70B6 Choppers |url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/27550/Greece_Signs_LOA_to_Purchase_4_MH_60R__Modernize_S_70B6_Choppers#.X8zZqKr7SRc |website=www.defenseworld.net |access-date=6 December 2020}}</ref> A decision was made in 2014 for the re-activation of existing [[Lockheed P-3B Orion]]s and their submission to a program of overhaul, upgrade and service life extension. The contract with [[Lockheed Martin]] included the return of one aircraft to airworthy condition with the existing mission equipment as an "interim solution" and the complete modernization and upgrade of four other aircraft in [[Hellenic Aerospace Industry|Hellenic Aerospace (HAI)]]. The option included the complete modernization and upgrade of that aircraft as well. The "interim solution" aircraft has already been delivered, while all the remaining aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2023.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Darling |first1=Daniel |title=Greece Takes Delivery of First Upgraded P-3B Orion |url=https://dsm.forecastinternational.com/wordpress/2019/05/20/greece-takes-delivery-of-first-upgraded-p-3b-orion/ |website=Defense Security Monitor |access-date=7 December 2020 |date=20 May 2019}}</ref>

The Hellenic Navy will soon begin the use of a new UAV called Archytas. This will be a VTOL aircraft used for surveillance and it will be able to take-off and land on warships. It may also be lightly armed. However, this will not be flying until 2024. <ref>{{cite web |last1=Gosselin-Malo |first1=Elizabeth |title=Greece unveils new surveillance drone to keep tabs on its islands |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/09/23/greece-unveils-new-surveillance-drone-to-keep-tabs-on-its-islands/ |website=defensenews.com |date=23 September 2022 |publisher=defense news |access-date=26 September 2022}}</ref>

==Chain of command==
{{Hellenic Navy}}
[[File:Hellenic Navy organisation.jpg]]<ref name="Heyman">{{cite book |title=The Armed Forces of the European Union 2012–2013 |publisher=Pen & Sword Books Ltd. |author=Heyman, Charles |year=2011 |pages=53}}</ref>

===Main commands===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Greek !! English translation !! Location
|-
| '''Γενικόν Επιτελείον Ναυτικού (ΓΕΝ)''' || [[Hellenic Navy General Staff]]|| [[Athens]]
|-
| '''Αρχηγείον Στόλου (ΑΣ)''' || Fleet Headquarters || [[Salamis Island]]
|-
| ''Ναυτική Διοίκηση Αιγαίου (ΝΔΑ)'' || [[Aegean Sea Naval Command]]|| [[Piraeus]]
|-
| ''Ναυτική Διοίκηση Ιονίου (ΝΔΙ)'' || [[Ionian Sea Naval Command]]|| [[Patras]]
|-
| ''Ναυτική Διοίκηση Βορείου Ελλάδος (ΝΔΒΕ)'' || [[Northern Greece Naval Command]]|| [[Thessaloniki]]
|-
| '''Διοίκηση Ναυτικής Εκπαίδευσης (ΔΝΕ)'''|| Naval Training Command || [[Skaramagas]]
|-
| '''Διοίκηση Διοικητικής Μέριμνας (ΔΔΜΝ)''' || Logistics Command || [[Athens]]
|-
| '''Διοίκηση Αεροπορίας Ναυτικού (ΔΑΝ)'''|| [[Navy Aviation Command]]|| [[Grammatiko]]
|-
| ''Ναύσταθμος Κρήτης'' || [[Crete Naval Base]]|| [[Souda Bay]], [[Chania]]
|-
| ''Ναύσταθμος Σαλαμίνας'' || [[Salamis Naval Base]]|| [[Salamis Island]]
|-
| '''Υδρογραφική Υπηρεσία''' || Hydrographic Service<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hnhs.gr/en/2015-05-16-18-25-41/2015-05-16-18-28-21 |title=Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service - Our Organization |access-date=2021-10-11 |date=2020 |work=HNHS}}</ref> || [[Athens]]
|-
| '''Υπηρεσία Φάρων''' || Lighthouse Command<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hellenicnavy.gr/yf/default.asp |title=Υπηρεσία Φάρων |publisher=Hellenicnavy.gr |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111070827/http://www.hellenicnavy.gr/yf/default.asp |archive-date=2010-01-11}}</ref> || [[Piraeus]]
|}

===Combat arms===
* ''Διοίκηση Φρεγατών (ΔΦΓ)'' Frigate Command
* ''Διοίκηση Πλοίων Επιτηρήσεως (ΔΠΕ)'' Surveillance Ships Command, formerly ''Διοίκηση Κανονιοφόρων (ΔΚΦ)'' Gunboat Command
* ''Διοίκηση Ταχέων Σκαφών (ΔΤΣ)'' Fast Attack Craft Command
* ''Διοίκηση Υποβρυχίων (ΔΥ)'' Submarine Command
* ''Διοίκηση Αμφιβίων Δυνάμεων (ΔΑΔ)'' Amphibious Assault Forces Command
** Greece does not have a [[marine corps]] established as a separate branch attached to the naval service. Instead, the [[Hellenic Army|Army]] includes the 32nd Marine Brigade (32η Ταξιαρχία Πεζοναυτών); the Navy provides the landing craft etc.
* ''Διοίκηση Υποβρυχίων Καταστροφών (ΔΥΚ)'' [[Underwater Demolition Command]]
* ''Διοίκηση Αεροπορίας Ναυτικού (ΔΑΝ)'' Navy Aviation Command
** ''1η Μοίρα Ελικοπτέρων Ναυτικού (ΜΕΝ 1)'' 1st Navy Helicopter Squadron (AB-212 ASW), 112th Combat Wing, [[Elefsis]], {{coord|38|08|31|N|23|57|03|E}}
** ''2η Μοίρα Ελικοπτέρων Ναυτικού (ΜΕΝ 2)'' 2nd Navy Helicopter Squadron (S-70B Aegean Hawk), 112th Combat Wing, [[Elefsis]], {{coord|38|08|31|N|23|57|03|E}}
** ''Μοίρα Αεροσκαφών Ναυτικού (ΜΑΝ)'' Navy Aircraft Squadron, 112th Combat Wing, [[Elefsis]], currently with no active aircraft. {{coord|38|04|13|N|23|33|56|E}}
** ''Ελικοσταθμός Αμφιάλης'' = Amfiali Heliport {{coord|37|59|30|N|23|34|28|E}}

===Combat support arms===
* ''Διοίκηση Ναρκοπολέμου (ΔΝΑΡ)'' Minesweeper Command

===Combat service support===
* ''Σχολή Εξάσκησης Ναυτικής Τακτικής (ΣΕΝΤ)'' Naval Tactical Training School (under Fleet Headquarters)

==Equipment==
===Ships===
{{Main|List of active Hellenic Navy ships|List of decommissioned ships of the Hellenic Navy}}

The Hellenic Navy's fleet of warships and auxiliary boats is harboured in the two major HN naval bases at [[Salamis Naval Base|Salamis Island]] near [[Piraeus]] and at [[Crete Naval Base|Souda Bay]] on the island of [[Crete]]. Internationally, the Navy used the prefix '''HS''' ''(Hellenic Ship)'' for its vessels.

==== Frigates ====
[[File:Flickr - DVIDSHUB - SNMCMG2 begins Friendly Seas Deployment in Persian Gulf (Image 3 of 4).jpg|thumb|right| The Hellenic Navy flagship frigate HS ''Spetsai'' in the Red Sea while transiting to the Persian Gulf on Operation INAS BAHR (Friendly Seas)]]

The Hellenic Navy relies mainly on [[frigate]]s as its primary surface heavy boats. The fleet consists of thirteen frigates. The types operated are the {{sclass|Hydra|frigate|4}} (Type: [[MEKO|Meko-200HN]])<ref name="hellenicnavy1">{{cite web |first=Nikos |last=Koukourouzis |url=http://www.hellenicnavy.gr/frigates_m_en.asp |title=HELLENIC NAVY – Frigates Class Meko-200HN |publisher=Hellenicnavy.gr |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080530180829/http://www.hellenicnavy.gr/frigates_m_en.asp |archive-date=2008-05-30}}</ref> and the {{sclass|Elli|frigate|4}} (Type: {{sclass|Kortenaer|frigate|5}}). The ''Elli'' class frigates [[Greek frigate Elli (F-450)|HS ''Elli'']] and HS ''Limnos'' were sold to Greece during construction, the rest were bought directly from the [[Royal Netherlands Navy|Dutch Navy]]. The ''Hydra'' class vessels were constructed in Greece by [[Hellenic Shipyards Co.]], except from HS ''Hydra'' that was constructed by the German company [[Blohm+Voss|Blohm and Voss]] based in [[Hamburg]].

Modernization of six frigates was completed in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defencenet.gr/defense/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7845&Itemid=96 |title=DefenceNet – HN's future planning and new procurement policy |publisher=Defencenet.gr |access-date=2009-08-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091210023624/http://www.defencenet.gr/defense/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7845&Itemid=96 |archive-date=2009-12-10 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The intention for the ''Hydra'' class vessels was, as of February 2015, to be modernised with a €400 million upgrade that would extend their operational life to 2035.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.janes.com/article/48693/greece-scopes-plan-for-meko-200hn-mid-life-modernisation |title=Greece scopes plan for MEKO 200HN mid-life modernisation |first=Richard |last=Scott |newspaper=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly |date=4 February 2015 |access-date=2015-07-14}}</ref> These plans became a priority for the Navy in 2020, amidst rising tensions with [[Turkey]] over delimitation of maritime zones in the Eastern Mediterranean.<ref>{{cite web |title=Greece goes arms shopping as Turkey tension rises |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/greece-goes-arms-shopping-as-turkey-tension-rises/ |website=POLITICO |access-date=1 November 2020 |date=11 September 2020}}</ref> Greece also negotiated the acquisition of four new [[Freedom-class littoral combat ship|''Freedom'' class]] frigates from the [[United States]] to replace older ''Ellis'' and proposed to the US a wider package of upgrades and future coproduction opportunities involving the [[Constellation-class frigate|''Constellation'' class]] frigate, currently being developed for the [[US Navy]]. The final decision on the type and origin of the new frigates was scheduled to be made in 2021, after examining closely all available proposals from a list of other countries, apart from the US. [[France]], [[Germany]], the [[Netherlands]] and the [[UK]] also participated in the selection process. Finally, in September 2021 the decision for the future of the HN frigate fleet was announced, including gradual replacement of the ''Elli'' class with the French-built ''Belharra Hellenique ([[Frégate de défense et d'intervention]] - FDI)'' class warships, officially constituting the Navy’s new ''Kimon'' Class, and modernisation of the ''Hydra'' class in a €5 billion deal that initially extends up to 2026.

Since 2022, three frigates of the ''Kimon'' Class have been under construction in France by [[Naval Group]]. These are HS ''Kimon'' (F-601), HS ''Nearchos'' (F-602) and HS ''Formion'' (F-603). Delivery of HS ''Kimon'' (F-601) is scheduled for early 2025 and the rest are to follow over the succeeding months. Greece has a contracted option for a fourth ship to be included in the initial production line, if it so chooses.

The [[Greek frigate Psara|Greek frigate HS ''Psara'']] carries three reliquaries permanently on its onboard historical exhibition. Two contain the taxidermic hearts of [[Greek War of Independence]] heroes Admiral [[Konstantinos Kanaris]] and Admiral [[Andreas Miaoulis]] and one reliquary contains the remains of heroine Rear Admiral (posthumous) [[Laskarina Bouboulina]]. The frigate's exhibition can be visited when the ship opens to the public during National Holidays and celebrations.

In January 2024, Defence Minister Nikolaos Dendias announced a proposal to manufacture seven [[Constellation-class frigate]] in Greece. <ref>{{cite web |last1=Mitsopoulos |first1=Dimitris |title=Greece Expresses Interest In Co-Production Of Constellation-Class Frigates |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/01/greece-expresses-interest-in-co-production-of-constellation-class-frigates/ |website=navalnews.com |publisher=Naval News |access-date=31 January 2024}}</ref>

====Gunboats====
[[File:HS Tolmi (P229) mail transfer.jpg|thumb|Asheville-Class gunboat HS ''Tolmi'' conducting drills]]

The Hellenic Navy operates ten [[gunboat]]s of the [[Osprey HSY-56A-class gunboat|''Osprey'']] and {{sclass|Asheville|gunboat|4}}es. Both Osprey HSY-55 and Osprey HSY-56A classes are designed by the Hellenic Navy following a modular concept so that weapons and sensors can be changed as required. They were built by [[Hellenic Shipyards Co.|Hellenic Shipyards (HSY)]] in Greece. These vessels are similar in appearance to {{sclass2|Osprey 55|gunboat|2}}<nowiki/>s. The first pair was ordered on 20 February 1990. HS ''Pyrpolitis'' was launched on 16 September 1992 and HS ''Polemistis'' on 21 June 1993. Each ship can carry 25 fully equipped troops. Alternative guns and [[Boeing Harpoon|Harpoon missiles]] can be fitted as required. ''Pyrpolitis'' was renamed ''Kasos'' on 11 November 2005, after the island of [[Kasos]] in the [[Dodecanese]]. The ship is based in the area of Kasos, and the name recognises the island and the [[Kasos Massacre]] during the [[Greek War of Independence]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hellenicnavy.gr/el/o-stolos-mas/kanonioforoi/typou-hsy-56/k-f-kasos.html |title=Κ/Φ ΚΑΣΟΣ (Ρ 57) |publisher=hellenicnavy.gr |access-date=26 October 2018 |language=el}}</ref> The two Asheville Class gunboats are former [[US Navy]] vessels, bought and transferred to Greece in 1989.

====Attack Missile boats====
[[File:Hellenic Navy fast attack craft Simaioforos Xenos, 1988.jpg|thumb|Missile boat HS ''Xenos'' underway]]

The fleet consists of nineteen [[missile boat]]s also known as [[fast attack craft|fast attack missile craft]]. Two new ships (P78 and P79) entered service in 2019. The main purpose of these vessels is offensive anti-ship warfare. The Hellenic Navy operates four types of missile boats. These are the [[Roussen-class fast attack craft|''Roussen'' (Super-Vita)]], [[La Combattante III-class fast attack craft|''Laskos'' (La Combattante III)]], [[La Combattante III-class fast attack craft|''Kavaloudis'' (La Combattante IIIb)]] and [[La Combattante IIa-class fast attack craft|''Votsis'' (La Combattante IIa)]] classes. The La Combattante III and La Combattante IIIb classes were upgraded in 2006. For the La Combattante III craft, [[Thales Group|Thales]] delivered a TACTICOS combat management system, including four multi-functional operator consoles, one surveillance radar, a fire-control tracking system, one electro-optical tracking and fire control system, an integrated low-probability-of-interception radar, two target designation sights and a tactical data link. The weapon suite of the La Combattante IIIs remained unchanged. Thales was also responsible for the integration of existing guns, surface-to-surface missiles and torpedoes. The La Combattante IIa ships are scheduled to be decommissioned upon completion of the two newly ordered ''Roussen'' gunboats.

====Submarines====
[[File:S-120 Papanikolis 1.jpg|thumb|Type 214 submarine HS ''Papanikolis'' under construction]]

The '''Hellenic Navy Submarine Command''' operates eleven [[submarine]]s of four types. The newest and most advanced type operated is the [[Type 214 submarine|Type 214 ''Papanikolis'' class]], which is widely considered to be among the most advanced conventional (non-nuclear) propulsion submarines in service with naval forces at the moment. The Type 214 is a [[diesel-electric]] submarine developed by the German [[Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft|Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH (HDW)]]. It features diesel propulsion with an [[air-independent propulsion]] (AIP) system using [[Siemens AG|Siemens]] polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cells. A contract to build four boats for the Hellenic Navy was signed between February 2000 and June 2002. The first boat was built at HDW in [[Kiel]], [[Germany]], and the rest at [[Hellenic Shipyards Co.]] in [[Skaramangas]], Greece. The Hellenic Navy named them the ''Papanikolis'' class. Other types operated are the [[Type 209 submarine|209/1100 ''Glavkos'' class]], the [[Type 209 submarine|209/1200 ''Poseidon'' class]] and one boat of the [[Type 209 submarine|209/1500 AIP ''Okeanos'' class]]. The ''Glavkos'' submarines were upgraded with the "Neptune I" modernisation program and the ''Poseidon'' and ''Okeanos'' vessels with the "Neptune II" program. The ''Okeanos'' upgrade included AIP capabilities very similar to Type 214 so extensive to justify HS ''Okeanos'' as a new, separate class when compared to the rest of Type 209/1200 vessels. New dimensions are similar to Type 214 boats.

====Special Operations Craft====
The Navy operates the endogenous AAWV Aginor ''(Αγήνωρ)'' which is an Advanced [[Asymmetric Warfare]] Vessel that uses latest technologies and composite materials making it suitable for a number of missions including insertion and extraction of Special Operations Forces, interdiction and coastal patrol, as well as search and rescue (SAR) operations.

The Navy also operates the [[Mark V Special Operations Craft]], which is an American design originally developed for the US Navy Seals. The craft are utilised by the Hellenic Navy [[Underwater Demolition Command]]<ref>{{cite news 
|url=http://www.janes.com/article/78397/greece-to-acquire-ex-us-mark-v-speedboats?from_rss=1 |first=Igor |last=Bozinovski |publisher=[[Jane's Information Group]] |date=March 7, 2018 |title=Greece to acquire ex-US Mark V speedboats}}</ref> and are specifically customised to the needs of the Hellenic Navy and the Aegean theater of operations.

====Landing boats====
[[Image:20080702-Faliron L-173 HS Chios.jpg|thumb|Greek-built Jason-class (LST) landing ship HS ''Chios'' at [[Phaleron Bay]]]]

The Hellenic Navy currently operates nine [[tank landing ship]]s (LST), five of the Greek-built {{sclass|Jason|tank landing ship|4}} and four heavy military hovercraft of the Ukrainian/Russian-built {{sclass|Zubr|LCAC|4}}. The ''Jason'' landing craft are capable of transporting 287 troops plus 22 battle tanks or any other combination of other armoured vehicles. The ''Zubr'' craft have a military lift of total 130 tonnes of cargo with three battle tanks, eight armoured vehicles, ten personnel carriers and 140 troops or combinations of those and a speed of 40 knots when fully loaded. The ''Zubr'' class (Project 1232.2 / NATO codename: "Pomornik") is an [[air-cushioned landing craft]] (LCAC). This class of military [[hovercraft]] is, as of 2012, the world's largest, with a standard full load displacement of 555 tons.<ref name="Hellenic Command Amphibious Forces: Ships">{{cite web |url=http://www.hellenicnavy.gr/dad_ships_en.asp |title=Hellenic Command Amphibious Forces: Ships |last=Hellenic Navy |year=2008 |publisher=Hellenic Navy |access-date=2009-04-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090309034037/http://www.hellenicnavy.gr/dad_ships_en.asp |archive-date=2009-03-09 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The hovercraft is designed to sealift amphibious assault units (such as [[Marines (military)|marines]] and [[tank]]s) from equipped or non-equipped vessels to non-equipped shores, as well as transport and plant [[naval mine]]s. The purchase of HS ''Cephalonia'' for the Hellenic Navy was the first time a [[Soviet]] design had been built for and purchased by a [[NATO]] member.<ref name="Hellenic Command Amphibious Forces: Introduction">{{cite web |url=http://www.hellenicnavy.gr/dad_history_en.asp|title=Hellenic Command Amphibious Forces: Introduction |last=Hellenic Navy |year=2008 |publisher=Hellenic Navy|access-date=2009-04-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322084515/http://www.hellenicnavy.gr/dad_history_en.asp |archive-date=2009-03-22 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Almaz launches NATO-bound craft">{{cite web |url=http://www.russiajournal.com/node/4125 |title=Almaz launches NATO-bound craft |last=Kitov |first=Vladimir |date=2000-11-04 |publisher=The Russia Journal |access-date=2009-04-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213032611/http://russiajournal.com/node/4125 |archive-date=2010-02-13 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="City Shipyard Hovercraft Is 1st Delivery to NATO State">{{cite web |url=http://www.sptimes.ru/index.php?action_id=2&story_id=13839 |title=City Shipyard Hovercraft Is 1st Delivery to NATO State |last=Titova |first=Irina |date=2000-12-29 |publisher=The St. Petersburg Times |access-date=2009-04-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605055312/http://www.sptimes.ru/index.php?action_id=2&story_id=13839 |archive-date=2011-06-05|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=" Russian ship joining Greek navy">{{cite web |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=BBAB&d_place=BBAB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F97E0A5AE23B529&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=Russian ship joining Greek navy |last=AVN Military News Agency web site |date=2000-12-20 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=2009-04-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018112017/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=BBAB&d_place=BBAB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F97E0A5AE23B529&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |archive-date=2012-10-18 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Replenishment and other vessels====
The Hellenic Navy operates fifteen replenishment and support ships including [[petroleum tanker]]s, water tankers and [[Auxiliary ship|auxiliary vessels]]. It also operates two Greek-built transport ships of the ''Pandora'' class, six coastline patrol boats, three [[minehunter]]s, three torpedo retrievers, seventeen tugboats (both open sea and harbour), four [[Oceanography|oceanographic & scientific research]] vessels and two lighthouse tenders. The Navy also preserves three [[Museum ship|memorial ships]] including the [[Pisa-class cruiser|''Pisa''-class armoured cruiser]] [[Greek cruiser Georgios Averof|HS ''Georgios Averof'']] which is the only [[armoured cruiser]] worldwide still in existence and, although it is permanently a harboured museum ship, is ceremoniously considered in active-service carrying the Rear Admiral's Rank Flag. The Hellenic Navy also has the [[trireme]] [[Olympias (trireme)|Olympias]] in commission, making the Hellenic Navy the navy with the oldest type of commissioned vessel in the world..

===Aircraft===
[[File:Hellenic Navy S-70B-6 Aegean Hawk (1).JPG|thumb|Hellenic Navy S-70B Aegean Hawk at ''Archangel 2005'' airshow]]

The Hellenic Navy operates naval aviation units under the '''[[Navy Aviation Command]]''',<ref name="PN">{{cite web |url=http://www.hellenicnavy.gr/el/enimerosi/deltia-typou/item/9812-teleti-idrysis-dioikisis-aeroporias-naftikoy.html |title=Τελετή 'Ιδρυσης Διοίκησης Αεροπορίας Ναυτικού |date=23 January 2018 |publisher=Hellenic Navy |language=el}}</ref> that resulted from the amalgamation of the ''Navy Helicopter Command'' and the ''353rd Naval Cooperation Squadron'', which was run jointly with the [[Hellenic Air Force]].

It currently operates:<ref>{{cite web |title=Aircraft Fleet |url=http://www.hellenicnavy.gr/en/fleet/aircrafts.html |website=Hellenic Navy Official Website |access-date=27 March 2019}}</ref>
*'''[[P3 Orion|Lockheed Martin P-3B Orions]]''' as maritime patrol and naval cooperation platforms. Four upgraded aircraft have gradually started to re-enter the fleet, after a $142 million contract for their upgrade was awarded in February 2016 to Lockheed Martin.<ref>{{cite web |title=Greek navy takes initial reactivated P-3B |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/greek-navy-takes-initial-reactivated-p-3b-458272/ |website=Flight Global |access-date=5 June 2019}}</ref> (6 delivered, 1 operational/upgraded, 4 more currently upgraded, 1 will be used for parts)
*'''Sikorsky S-70B Seahawks''', which is the export variant of the [[Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk]]. Furthermore, the Greek variant is the S-70/B-6 Aegean Hawk, which is a blend of the SH-60B and F-models. (11 S-70B6 AegeanHawk and 10 MH-60R on order)
*'''[[Aérospatiale Alouette III]]s''', mainly used for missions such as aerial observation, photography, transport and training. (4 delivered, 2 in use)
*'''Agusta Bell AB-212 ASWs''', which is the military variant of the [[Bell 212]], dedicated to anti-submarine warfare. (11 ASW and 2 EW delivered, 6 ASW and 2 EW in use)
*[https://alphaunmannedsystems.com/a900/ '''Alpha Unmanned Systems''' '''A900'''] UAV Helicopters. (5 on order, to be delivered by April 2022) <ref>{{Cite web |title=H ΑLTUS LSA θα προμηθεύσει με UAV ελικοπτέρα το Πολεμικό Ναυτικό {{!}} ALTUS LSA |url=https://altus-lsa.com/h-%ce%b1ltus-lsa-%ce%b8%ce%b1-%cf%80%cf%81%ce%bf%ce%bc%ce%b7%ce%b8%ce%b5%cf%8d%cf%83%ce%b5%ce%b9-%ce%bc%ce%b5-uav-%ce%b5%ce%bb%ce%b9%ce%ba%ce%bf%cf%80%cf%84%ce%ad%cf%81%ce%b1-%cf%84%ce%bf-%cf%80%ce%bf/ |access-date=2021-11-12 |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Ranks and insignia==
===Commissioned officers===
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:85%; margin: 0px 8px 8px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Navies/OF/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Navies/OF/Greece}}
|}

===NCOs and enlisted===
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:85%; margin: 0px 8px 8px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Navies/OR/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Navies/OR/Greece}}
|}

== Hellenic Navy flags ==
<gallery class="center">
File:Naval Ensign of Greece (1833-1858).svg|Royal HN Naval [[Ensign (flag)|Ensign]] (1833–1858)
File:Naval Ensign of Greece (1863-1924 and 1935-1970).svg|Royal HN Naval [[Ensign (flag)|Ensign]] (1863–1924 and 1935–1970)
File:Flag of Greece.svg|HN Naval [[Ensign (flag)|Ensign]] (1830–1833, 1924–1935 and 1974–present)
File:Hellenic Naval Jack 1935.svg|RHN [[Maritime flag|Naval Jack]]
File:Naval Jack of Greece.svg|HN [[Maritime flag|Naval Jack]]
File:Flag Minister of Defence of Greece.svg|Minister of Defence flag
File:Greek Navy Admiral Flag.svg|HN 4-star Admiral's Flag
File:Greek Royal Navy Senior officer's flag.svg|HN Senior Officer's flag
File:Hellenic Navy Masthead pennant.svg|HN Commissioning Pennant
File:Flag of Greece (1970-1975).svg|Royal HN Naval Ensign (1970–1973) and HN Naval Ensign (1973–1974)
</gallery>

==Photo gallery==
<gallery class="center">
File:Constantine Kanaris.png | Admiral and War of Independence hero [[Konstantinos Kanaris]] (1793–1877)
File:Bouboulina.JPG | [[Captain (naval)|Captain]], later [[Rear Admiral]] (Posthumous) and War of Independence heroine [[Laskarina Bouboulina]] (1771–1825)
File:King George of Hellenes.jpg|[[George I of Greece|King George]] in Admiral's uniform of the Hellenic Navy 
File:AlmiranteCoundouritis--inheartofgermani00vaka.jpg | Admiral and President of Greece [[Pavlos Kountouriotis]] (1855–1935)
File:Sofoklis Dousmanis.jpg | Portrait of Rear Admiral [[Sofoklis Dousmanis]] (1868–1952)
File:L144-1016032505.jpg | LST HS ''Syros'' undergoing trials, 1964
File:HS Spetsai in Trieste.jpg|Frigate HS {{ship|Greek frigate|Spetsai|F-453|2}} in [[Trieste]]
File:HS Navtilus.jpg|Hydrographic vessel HS ''Nautilus'' in [[Syros]] harbour
File:20070620-Piraeus-HS Pandora.jpg |HS ''Pandora'', a passenger ship connecting Piraeus Harbor and [[Salamis Naval Base]]
Image:HS Psara F454.jpg | HS ''Psara'' in Operation Enduring Freedom
File:UnitGR Parade.jpg |The [[Hellenic Naval Band]] participating in the Army Day parade in [[Sofia]], [[Bulgaria]]
File:A Hellenic navy special operations forces instructor, right, conducts small arms training with U.S. Sailors aboard the Hellenic navy training ship Aris (A-74) at the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational 120512-N-FV216-014.jpg|A Hellenic Navy SOF (special operations forces) instructor conducts small arms training with U.S. sailors aboard the HN training ship ''Aris''
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[History of the Hellenic Navy]]
* [[List of active Hellenic Navy ships]]
* [[List of decommissioned ships of the Hellenic Navy]]
* [[Hellenic Naval Academy|Hellenic Naval Cadets Academy]]
* [[Greek Merchant Navy]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
{{Commons category|Hellenic Navy}}
{{Refbegin}}
*[http://www.hellenicnavy.gr/ Official Website of the Hellenic Navy]. '''Note regarding copyright:''' The Hellenic Navy allows free use and distribution of images from their web site with proper attribution, however they have no set copyright policy for derivative work. See also appropriate template from Greek Wikipedia: [[:el:Template:ΠΔΕΠΝ]].
* {{cite book|title=Greek Naval Strategy and Policy 1910–1919 (Naval Policy and History)|author=Zisis Fotakis|year=2005|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-0-415-35014-3}}
*{{cite web |url=http://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/europe/greece.htm |author=Andrew Toppan |title=World Navies Today: Greece |year=2002 |access-date=2008-07-04 }}: Excellent resource with details for ships of the Hellenic Navy. '''Caution:''' List not updated since 2002.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100328203331/http://www.worldwar1atsea.net/WW1NavyGreek.htm Royal Hellenic or Greek Navy in World War I, including warship losses]
{{Refend}}

{{Greece topics}}
{{Greek Military}}
{{Ship classes of the Hellenic Navy}}
{{Navies in Europe}}
{{Allied Maritime Command}}

[[Category:Hellenic Navy| ]]
[[Category:1828 establishments in Greece]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1828]]
[[Category:Navies by country|Greece]]
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