In a move to bolster its undersea warfare capabilities, the Portuguese Navy has partnered with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to assess the co-development of new compact submarines. The agreement was officially signed at the Marine Defense Exhibition 2025 in Singapore, a key event for international naval collaborations. As reported by Chosun, this strategic initiative could also include broader services like ship repairs and overhauls. Portugal is aiming to supplement its current fleet of two Tridente-class submarines, which were introduced in 2010 and displace around 2,000 tons. These new submarines may mirror the Tridente’s design or come in smaller, more agile versions for flexible mission profiles. Admiral Jorge Nobre de Sousa and his predecessor have voiced support for expanding naval capabilities, particularly through international technology partnerships. This initiative with Hyundai is viewed as a forward-looking effort that could enable Portugal to maintain a modern, multi-role submarine force while supporting industrial cooperation with South Korea.
