ATHENS 

Greece plans to acquire new submarines which can launch cruise missiles, local media claimed on Monday.Citing Defense Minister Nikos Dendias’ remarks last month during Maritime Week that Athens is interested in modernizing and expanding its submarine fleet, Kathimerini daily said the new subs are set to be purchased in the next decade.

Two of the four planned submarines will be equipped to deploy strategic cruise missiles, extending Greece’s strike range to over 1,000 kilometers (621 miles), it added.

The subs feature advanced air-independent propulsion, upgraded sonar, and modern combat systems, modeled on the existing Type 214 class, which also will be updated in the next five years, according to the daily.

It underscored that the plan intends to counter the growing capabilities of the Turkish Navy, which is working to build new warships, subs, aircraft carriers, and unmanned sea vessels.