The launching and naming ceremony of “Pipinos” submarine took place on Monday at the premises of the Hellenic Shipyard at Skaramanga, Attica, in the presence of Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, Deputy Prime Minister Evangelos Venizelos and many other important political personalities, including Minister of National Defence Dimitris Avramopoulos, Minister of Shipping Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament Evangelos Meimarakis, Public Order Minister Vassilis Kikilias, Alternate Minister of National Defense Fofi Gennimata and Archbishop Ieronymos.

It should be noted that this is the first Type-214 submarine that was built in Greece, and is to be followed by two more.

Before joining the fleet, “Pipinos” submarine will undergo sea and port trials which are expected to last 8-10 months.

During his speech at the launching ceremony, PM Samaras underlined that the government proved once more that it has the will and the power to safely lead the country to the post-crisis era.

Commenting on the launch of the submarine, Mr. Samaras said that after 12 years, the Greek people’s money has brought results.

On his part, Defence Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos noted that the entire handling of the submarines case shows the importance of political agreement on national issues.