Why Greece Is Replacing Phalanx with Sovraponte on Hydra-Class Frigates?

Greece is modernizing its Hydra-class MEKO-200HN frigates, and one of the most important changes is the replacement of the aft Phalanx CIWS with Leonardo’s 76 mm Sovraponte naval gun. At first glance, this may look like a simple weapons upgrade. But in reality, it reflects a much deeper shift in modern naval warfare. Ships are no longer threatened only by anti-ship missiles, aircraft, or submarines. Today, frigates must also deal with drones, loitering munitions, small boats, surveillance platforms, and layered attacks designed to overload sensors and exhaust ammunition. The Phalanx CIWS was built for close-in defense against fast incoming threats. Sovraponte offers a different approach: greater range, more flexibility, and compatibility with advanced ammunition such as DART and VULCANO. This gives Greece’s Hydra-class frigates a stronger multi-role defensive layer without requiring major structural changes to older ships. In the complex geography of the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, where islands, narrow waters, civilian traffic, and military activity create a dense battlespace, this upgrade could be highly significant. For the Hellenic Navy, Sovraponte is not just a new gun — it is a response to the changing reality of naval combat. This video explains why Greece is making this move, what it means for the Hydra-class frigates, and how drone warfare is reshaping naval defense.