Hydra-class

The Hydra class, designated MEKO 200 HN, consists of four frigates in service with the Hellenic Navy. Authorized in 1988, the program was partially funded through Foreign Military Sales (FMS) aid. The design is based on the German MEKO 200 modular warship concept. While six vessels were originally planned, the order was reduced to four units following the acquisition of Kortenaer-class frigates from the Netherlands. Blohm + Voss constructed the lead ship in Germany, while the subsequent three vessels were built by Hellenic Shipyards. Financial constraints at the domestic shipyards resulted in delivery delays for the final three units.

The class utilizes a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion configuration. This system employs gas turbines for high-speed transit and diesel engines for cruising, driving two shafts with controllable pitch propellers. The sensor suite comprises air search, air-surface search, and fire control radars, supplemented by navigation radar and an IFF system. Subsurface detection is managed through hull-mounted and variable depth sonar. Electronic warfare capabilities include ESM and ECM systems alongside decoy launchers and a torpedo decoy. For aviation operations, the vessels feature a flight deck and hangar capable of supporting one Sikorsky S-70B-6 Aegean Hawk helicopter.

The lead ship, Hydra, entered service in 1992. During initial work-up trials near Portland, England, the vessel sustained fire damage and underwent repairs through 1993. The remaining ships—Spetsai, Psara, and Salamis—were commissioned between 1996 and 1998. In 2007, the Hellenic Navy began an upgrade program for the fire control systems to integrate RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles (ESSM). Salamis completed live-fire qualification for this system in 2008, and the upgrade was subsequently applied to the other three vessels. In April 2023, the Greek Parliament approved a further modernization program for all four ships in the class. Operational history includes participation in international exercises such as Phoenix Express and replenishment operations with the United States Navy.