To Hunt Russian Ships, Portugal Turns to South Korea for Next-Gen Submarines

Portugal is considering the acquisition of two submarines from South Korea with a displacement of 800 to 1,300 tons to enhance maritime surveillance capabilities, particularly in response to increased Russian naval activity near its coastline.

According to Defense Express on June 7, the Portuguese Navy currently lacks fully operational submarines, which has prompted urgent discussions about restoring its underwater fleet. The French outlet Opex360 reports that the planned purchase is aimed at addressing this capability gap.

At present, Portugal officially operates two submarines—NRP Tridente and NRP Arpão—both commissioned in 2010 under the Tridente class, which is based on the German Type 214 design.

Each vessel displaces 2,020 tons submerged, measures 67.7 meters in length, and is equipped with eight 533 mm torpedo tubes capable of launching torpedoes and Harpoon anti-ship missiles. The submarines can operate autonomously for up to 45 days with a crew of 33.

However, NRP Tridente has been undergoing a major overhaul since 2022, while NRP Arpão has experienced hydraulic system issues as recently as March 2025. Although both vessels are repairable, concerns remain over the overall readiness and long-term viability of Portugal’s current submarine force.

In response, the Portuguese Navy is exploring two options: purchasing two new light submarines in the 800–1,300 ton range or acquiring one vessel with capabilities similar to the existing Tridente-class.

South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries has offered to develop submarines tailored to Portugal’s specifications under a memorandum of cooperation. Potential designs include variants with displacements of 800, 1,500, or 2,300 tons, with the HDS-1500 model already being marketed to Peru.

No timeline or budget details have been disclosed regarding the potential contract. However, the requirement for a custom design may delay procurement and further complicate efforts to modernize Portugal’s submarine fleet.

Earlier in May, France confirmed plans to build the PA-NG, a next-generation nuclear aircraft carrier that will become Europe’s largest warship. The vessel will feature US-made electromagnetic launch systems and is expected to replace the Charles de Gaulle by 2038.