Thales strengthens the operational effectiveness and readiness of the Hellenic Navy’s Hydra frigates

• The Greek General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments (GDDIA) has signed a contract with Thales to start the modernization of the Hydra frigate class mission system.
• Through this project, Thales will work closely with Greek industry to equip the frigates with internationally recognized solutions, such as the Tacticos Combat Management System, the NS100 radar and STIR Fire Control sensors – ensuring optimal mission efficiency
• Thales has a strong and longstanding relationship with the Hellenic Armed Forces, spanning the army, navy and air force. Last year, Thales celebrated the 50th anniversary of its local presence through Thales Hellas. ​

The four MEKO 200 design ships, built in Germany and Greece with Thales systems onboard, have been operational since the late 1990s. Thales will perform the Mid Life Upgrade and the following support and services locally, as localization has always been a key driver within this programme. Once the upgrade is completed, the local Thales service hub will continue working with local industry for the Hellenic Navy to maintain operational readiness.

Through the integration of these new sensors and the latest release of Combat Management System Tacticos, the ships will remain highly effective: the sensors and combat management system selected for this modernization are proven and functional within various NATO fleets. The software-defined, AESA* NS100 radar, offers medium-long range superior situational awareness as well as weapon support. In combination with the STIR 1.2 EO MK2, a proven dual-frequency radar with an integrated electro-optical suite, including laser and infra-red solutions, the vessels are equipped for optimal situational awareness and high precision fire control.

The Combat Management System Tacticos is the central command, control and decision-support part of Hydra’s mission system. With the latest release of Tacticos, the Hellenic Navy will benefit from its unique and operator-focused Human-Machine Interface and a broad range of proven capabilities, with various evolutions being operated by more than 25 navies.

Driven by the strong relationship and great confidence reaffirmed by the Hellenic Navy, Thales is committed to a swift launch of the project execution phase and will start working as soon as possible with local partners to deliver the upgraded capabilities.

“Thales is honored to contribute to the operational effectiveness and readiness of the Hellenic Navy’s Hydra frigates. Our longstanding partnership with the Hellenic armed forces reflects a strong foundation of mutual trust and commitment. We are proud to have been selected for this Mid Life Upgrade, which will integrate Thales’ advanced technology into the Hydra frigate class mission system, thereby enhancing the capabilities of the Hellenic Navy. This new operational baseline built around the latest version of Tacticos Combat Management System will be a reference for the future capabilities of the Hellenic Navy. In close collaboration with local industry and partners, we are committed to ensure sustained operational readiness." said Vincent Megaides, Country Director for Greece, Cyprus & Malta, Thales.

*AESA = Active Electronic Scanning Array Radar, with Dual Axes Multi-Beam technology.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services helps address several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

The Group allocates €4.5 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Quantum and Cloud technologies. Thales has more than 85,000 employees in 65 countries.

In 2025, the Group generated sales of €22.1 billion

About Thales in Greece

Thales has been active in Greece for 50 years, expanding its historic presence in the defense sector to also serve the Air Traffic Management, Transport, and Space markets. Thales is a long-standing partner of the Hellenic Armed Forces, providing avionics and mission systems for Mirage 2000 and Rafale fighter aircraft, as well as large-scale air defense systems for the Hellenic Air Force and Navy. Its tactical radios, optronics systems, and surveillance radars are also used by the Hellenic Army.

Thales has implemented the ACCS system in Larissa with local engineers on behalf of NATO. The company has supplied most of the country’s air traffic control systems and transport solutions. In the space sector, Thales also provides the Hellasat 3 communications satellite, which became operational in 2017. Additionally, Thales is a leader in civil identity and biometric solutions.

In January 2026, the Hellenic Navy received its first Belharra-type frigate, “Kimon”, an FDI HN vessel built by Naval Group and equipped with Thales radar and communications systems.