Hellenic Navy Open Day
Frigate Psara (F454), Hydra-class.
Text: Petr Uzsák
To mark Ohi Day ("No Day"), celebrated annually on 28 October, numerous public events and commemorations are held throughout Greece. The occasion is regarded as a symbol of national unity and pride. As part of the 2025 celebrations, the Hellenic Navy presented several of its frontline vessels to the public in Piraeus Port.
The origins of Ohi Day date back to 1940, when Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas delivered an unequivocal "No" in response to Italian dictator Benito Mussolini's ultimatum demanding the occupation of strategically important areas of Greece by Axis forces. The rejection led to war with Italy, which was soon joined by Great Britain as Greece's ally, while Germany entered the conflict in support of Italy. Since 1942, this day of national pride has been commemorated by Greek communities around the world.
The ships were berthed in the civilian section of the port, alongside the international passenger terminal. Admission was free, and visitors were allowed to photograph virtually every accessible part of the vessels. Members of the crews escorted visitors throughout the tours, explaining each ship's operational role, service history and technical features. The sailors repeatedly stressed that the public has the right to see how taxpayers' money is being invested. The event attracted considerable interest, with visitors willingly waiting in long queues to board the ships.
Although the origins of the modern Hellenic Navy can be traced back to 1821, when the Greek War of Independence began, its official foundation dates to 1828. Today, the service comprises approximately 30,000 personnel and operates around 180 vessels of various classes and roles.
Three very different types of warships were presented in Piraeus Port. One of them was the missile boat Karathanasis (P78) of the Super Vita class. Based on the British-designed Roussen class, the vessel was constructed domestically at Elefsis Shipyards and entered service in 2020. Its principal armament consists of MM40 Exocet anti-ship missiles with a maximum range of approximately 200 km. The vessel is also equipped with a bow-mounted OTO Melara 76 mm naval gun. Visitors were permitted to tour only the weather deck, while the interior compartments remained closed to the public.
The frigate Psara (F454), a Hydra-class vessel based on the German MEKO 200 design, was the largest ship on display. Although of German design, she was built domestically at Hellenic Shipyards in Skaramagas, near Piraeus. Her principal armament comprises Mk 141 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, complemented by a Mk 45 127 mm naval gun and Mk 32 triple 324 mm torpedo launchers.
According to her crew, Psara is the most combat-experienced warship currently serving in the Hellenic Navy. The tour began with boarding from the port side, followed by a passage through the superstructure towards the forecastle. Along the way, visitors passed the ship's small chapel. On the foredeck, the crew introduced the vessel, outlining her history and weapon systems before leading the group up two steep ladders to the bridge. There, the crew explained the ship's principal operating modes and basic command procedures. The visitors then proceeded through the superstructure to the open starboard deck, passing the torpedo launchers before crossing another section of the superstructure to the quarterdeck, where the helicopter landing deck is located. The aft superstructure also houses the helicopter hangar, which had been temporarily converted into a souvenir shop during the event. The frigate is capable of operating a single helicopter, with the Hellenic Navy currently flying the Sikorsky SH-60R and S-70B. Visitors exited the vessel by passing through the hangar back to the open port-side deck.
Another highlight of the exhibition was the submarine Pipinos (S-121), a Papanikolis-class boat based on the German Type 214 design. Visitors were able to inspect only the submarine's exterior, as access to the pressure hull was not permitted. She is one of four submarines of this class currently serving in the Hellenic Navy and, like the frigate, was constructed at the Skaramagas shipyard under German licence. Commissioned in 2014, the submarine is armed with 533 mm torpedoes and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
The current international security environment continues to place increasing demands on the Greek Armed Forces. These challenges include migration across the Eastern Mediterranean and longstanding disputes with Turkey in the Aegean Sea. Greece also contributes to the protection of commercial shipping in the Red Sea under Operation Aspides, safeguarding merchant vessels against Houthi attacks, while simultaneously participating in counter-piracy operations off the Somali coast as part of Operation Atalanta. Another important issue is the ongoing dispute over offshore mineral resources located between Crete and the Libyan coast. These include significant reserves of oil and natural gas, as well as strategic minerals such as manganese, nickel and cobalt. Here too, the presence of the Hellenic Navy plays an important role.
During the recent US-led conflict with Iran, the Hellenic Navy maintained a strictly defensive and precautionary posture. Rather than participating in offensive operations against Iranian territory, it concentrated on safeguarding regional stability and maritime security. Among its principal tasks was the deployment of the frigates Kimon and Psara to waters off Cyprus, operating alongside Hellenic Air Force F-16 fighters to help protect allied military infrastructure following Iranian drone attacks on the British RAF Akrotiri air base.
In the Red Sea, Hellenic Navy warships continued their contribution to the protection of international shipping lanes. Operating as part of the multinational maritime security effort, they escorted merchant vessels and intercepted Houthi drones and anti-ship missiles in the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The Hellenic naval base at Souda Bay, Crete, also played a significant supporting role, serving as a key logistics and operational hub for US naval forces, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford. In addition, Greek-operated Patriot surface-to-air missile batteries contributed to the protection of allied military facilities in the region.
Returning to Piraeus, the crews conducting the tours were able to provide commentary in both Greek and English, a service greatly appreciated by foreign visitors. Overall, the Hellenic Navy deserves high praise for organising an exceptionally well-prepared event conducted in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
The stern of the missile boat Karathanasis (P78), with the short-range RIM-116 surface-to-air missile launcher.
OTO Melara 76 mm naval gun mounted on the bow of the missile boat Karathanasis.
MM40 Exocet anti-ship missiles aboard the missile boat Karathanasis.
The bow of the submarine Pipinos (S-121), Papanikolis-class.
The sail of the submarine Pipinos. Its streamlined shape is particularly noteworthy. The open passage leads to the aft deck, as the sail's design makes it impossible to pass around it externally. It is therefore not an entrance to the pressure hull.
The stern of the submarine Pipinos with its prominent rudder.
Mk 32 triple 324 mm torpedo launchers on the port side of the frigate Psara (F454).
Port-side view of the missile boat Karathanasis.
Mk 45 127 mm naval gun mounted on the bow of the frigate Psara.
View of the forward superstructure and bridge of the frigate Psara. In the foreground is the Mk 15 Phalanx close-in weapon system equipped with a 20 mm Vulcan rotary cannon.
Part of the interior of the bridge aboard the frigate Psara.
The ship's chapel aboard the frigate Psara.
General view of the submarine Pipinos (S-121), Papanikolis-class.
The frigate Psara – the embarked helicopter hangar temporarily converted into a souvenir shop for visitors.
The bow of the missile boat Karathanasis (P78).
The submarine Pipinos (S-121), Papanikolis-class.