Greece set to become first operator of Victa-class maritime delivery craft

Greece is set to procure up to 10 Victa submersible, multi-domain maritime delivery craft for the Hellenic Navy, providing a first client for the vessel’s UK manufacturer: SubSea Craft.

According to a Reuters report published on 11 June 2026, a Greek parliamentary committee approved the procurement of a package of defence capabilities, valued in total at up to EUR1.2 billion (USD1.38 billion), that included military transport aircraft, various uncrewed systems and 10 Victa-class vessels. The report cited the Victa purchase as relating to special operations capability.

SubSea developed the Victa class originally as a diver delivery unit (DDU) designed to conduct long-range surface transits at speed before diving into the sub-surface domain to insert special forces (SF) operators. In this operational context the vehicle was conceived to deliver optimum output in both the surface and subsurface operating modes with the same, single craft.

Perhaps reflecting the rapidly evolving nature of naval warfare, the Victa’s concept of operations (CONOPS) has the flexibility to evolve to meet other requirements while maintaining the DDU output. As described by SubSea on its website, “Victa is a next-generation maritime delivery platform capable of a high-speed surface transit before rapidly transitioning to a wet, subsurface mode for covert delivery of operators and/or equipment.”

While the equipment delivered will encompass the SF operators’ mission equipment, the vehicle could be used to deliver kit to support other operations.

Another capability element is Victa’s utility as either a crewed or uncrewed asset. According to the company, Victa can operate in crewed or autonomous modes and also in a networked manner (a capacity relevant to both modes). In autonomous mode it can function as a sustainable, forward-deployed sensing platform (as well as being a delivery unit).

The networked capacity of Victa’s command-and-control (C2) construct – including a fly-by-wire navigation system – means multiple units can be deployed to work together, including in crewed and/or uncrewed modes.

Overall, the company notes, the Victa is a covert, multi-role platform able to deliver a range of effects at distance. Especially in terms of capacity to support SF operations, it summarised these various effects as: intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); fires; manoeuvre; force protection; command; and combat service support.

The flexibility in role and payload is built into the Victa’s design, with a rail-based construct installed inside the operators’ cabin used for carrying and moving different pieces of equipment.

The basics of the craft’s dived transit is that the cabin fills with water and the occupants use breathing apparatus. The cabin can carry eight divers, including two drivers.

The craft – made of advanced composite materials – is driven by electric thrusters powered by Lithium-ion batteries.

Using a 40 ft ISO container, the Victa is transportable by air, rail, road and sea.

Recently, SubSea Craft has been increasing its technology footprint in Greece, for example through establishing an ‘Innovation Hub’ focused on testing advanced technologies like autonomous systems and artificial intelligence, along with developing CONOPS for concepts like manned/unmanned teaming.

According to other defence specialist media reports, the Hellenic Navy’s requirements for the Victa class include supporting SF and underwater demolition tasks.