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The acquisition of national warships is a vision that no sane person would object to. It is known that renowned institutions such as the Naval Academy, the National Technical University of Athens, as well as individual specialized executives of the Hellenic Navy, as well as other companies from abroad and abroad, have contributed to the design of a family of modern warships adapted to our national needs.
At this time, with the known urgent needs for the Navy, former senior officers of the Armed Forces argue that our country should immediately proceed with the implementation of the above plans and the acquisition of national Frigates and Corvettes. The main reasons cited are self-sufficiency, cost reduction, increased employment in high-tech sectors, know-how, meeting the special needs of the Navy, the utilization of weapons and sensors from older vessels and the creation of conditions for the export of ships to third countries.

Indeed, the country's scientific and technical personnel have proven time and time again that they are not inferior to the corresponding personnel of advanced countries. The successful construction of Missile Ships, Frigates and Tank Carriers in domestic shipyards is indicatively recalled. The main problem with all previous shipbuilding was the small number of units required to meet the needs of a Navy such as the Greek one. After the end of these programs, the production line was stopped and the know-how, experience and specialized personnel that had been involved were gradually lost. Furthermore, the fact that in addition to the domestic shipbuilding of warships, the vast majority of their equipment came from abroad is also worrying.
The cost of a Frigate or Corvette-level ship (shipbuilding, systems, sensors, weapons, machinery, spare parts, land infrastructure, etc.) is directly related to the number of units ordered. Even countries like Germany collaborated with other states during the construction of the Type 124 Frigates or Type 212 Submarines, both to share the sectors and production costs and to maximize the number of units ordered.
If the national Frigate or Corvette is limited to the needs of the Navy and does not secure in advance cooperation or partnership with other states, as well as a minimum number of international orders, then it is estimated that its cost (shipbuilding and life cycle) will skyrocket to levels much higher than those of ordering a foreign ship. The international warship market is highly competitive and the national ship will sooner or later be confronted with this market for reasons of survival. In addition, the smooth and effective operation of our shipyards must first be ensured without the constraints of the past (unreliable owners, poorly understood unionism, etc.).
Many refer to the example of Turkey. They should be reminded that Turkey has been following a systematic program of strategic development and strengthening of its defense industry for many decades, without discontinuities, regressions and selfish state interventions. A Turkish warship program is currently based on a multitude of related large and experienced Turkish defense industries which cover almost the entire spectrum of relevant requirements (shipbuilding, systems, weapons, sensors, communications, engines, materials, infrastructure, etc.).
In summary, we should say yes to the vision of the national Frigate or Corvette-level ship and its gradual implementation, with a strong defense industry as a pillar. Until then, our country can try to meet national requirements and international competition in smaller units (e.g. patrol boats, UAVs, etc.). In addition, it should capitalize on the fact of its participation in NATO and the EU, in order to participate in as many high-tech partnerships as possible (e.g. sub-manufacturer of advanced materials, sensors, components, weapons, etc.) with a guaranteed permanent international production line. National visions should not be circumstantial and mutually exclusive but the result of a national strategy implemented cross-party, with continuity, consistency, political maturity and regardless of the rotation of governments.
06 – December – 2019
Vice Admiral (retd) V. Martzoukos PN
Honorary Commandant of the Naval Cadet School
President of the Hellenic Institute for Strategic Studies