Greece has formally launched the long-awaited Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) programme for the Hellenic Navy’s four MEKO 200HN (Hydra-class) frigates following the signing of the final major contract on 2 July 2026 between the General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments (GDDIA) and Skaramangas Shipyards Single-Member S.A.

The agreement completes the three principal contracts comprising the approximately €600 million modernization programme, paving the way for one of the most significant upgrades ever undertaken on the Hellenic Navy’s surface fleet. The programme is intended to extend the operational life of the Hydra-class frigates while substantially enhancing their combat effectiveness against emerging maritime and aerial threats.

The modernization effort is based on three major industrial pillars. Thales Nederland will supply the new mission systems, including the latest TACTICOS Combat Management System (CMS), the NS100 AESA S-band 3D surveillance radar, and STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 fire-control systems. Greek defence company SSMART S.A. has been selected as the combat system integrator, responsible for integrating the new electronic architecture and mission systems aboard the vessels. The third contract assigns Skaramangas Shipyards, where the frigates were originally constructed, responsibility for the extensive shipyard, structural, mechanical and electromechanical modifications required for the installation of the new equipment.

The work at Skaramangas Shipyards goes well beyond routine maintenance. It includes the removal of existing electronic systems, structural modifications for the installation of new sensors and antennas, installation of new electrical and data cabling, integration of interfaces between the combat systems and command consoles, and the complete refurbishment of the Combat Information Centre (CIC) together with associated operational spaces. All modifications will be carried out in accordance with military standards to ensure the safe integration and certification of the upgraded combat systems.

The upgraded Hydra-class frigates will receive a significant increase in operational capability. At the heart of the modernization is the latest version of the TACTICOS Combat Management System, providing improved command-and-control, tactical picture compilation, sensor management, weapon control and decision support. The NS100 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar will deliver long-range three-dimensional surveillance, target tracking and enhanced situational awareness, while the STIR fire-control systems will provide improved target engagement capabilities using both radar and electro-optical sensors.

The upgrade is designed to improve the frigates’ ability to counter modern threats, including unmanned aerial systems, drone swarms, cruise missiles, low-observable targets and unmanned surface vessels. The programme will also significantly enhance anti-submarine warfare capabilities through the integration of a new hull-mounted sonar and upgraded mission systems.

According to current planning, HS Spetsai (F453) will become the first vessel to enter the modernization programme. Shipyard work is expected to commence during 2027 following the delivery of the principal equipment, with the first upgraded frigate scheduled to return to operational service in late 2028. The remaining three Hydra-class frigates will undergo modernization sequentially, with completion of the entire programme expected between 2030 and 2031.

Once completed, the MEKO Mid-Life Upgrade will ensure that the Hydra-class frigates remain among the Hellenic Navy’s principal surface combatants for decades to come, while strengthening both Greece’s naval capabilities and the participation of the domestic defence industry in one of the country’s most important naval modernization programmes.