Greece, VICTA Arrives for Special Forces, the High-Tech Evolution of SLC – Maiali of the Xª MAS

Greece accelerates on strategic projection and amphibious capabilities. On June 11, 2026, the Permanent Special Committee for Armament Programs and Contracts of the Hellenic Parliament approved a package worth over 1 billion euros for the armed forces, which includes the acquisition of ten VICTA Diver Delivery Units (DDUs) from the British SubSea Craft valued at 145 million euros.

Beyond the economic impact — which will see the units assembled at the Skaramangas shipyards with a 25% return on the Greek industrial market — the program represents a Copernican revolution for the underwater and special operations sector. In terms of design, employment philosophy, and infiltration methods, the VICTA is indeed configured as an ultra-modern, hyper-technological, and high-performance version of the legendary “maiali” (slow-running torpedoes) used by the Xª MAS of the Regia Marina during World War II.

The DNA of the Xª MAS in the 21st Century: From Covert Assault to “Wet Sub”

Just as Italian assault divers secretly set out to strike ships at anchor, the VICTA is designed to ensure maximum stealth (stealth) and covert infiltration of operators into hostile territory. Its architecture, however, combines two previously irreconcilable worlds: the blazing speed of a speedboat and the discretion of a submarine.

• The transition phase: The craft sails the seas like a carbon fiber planing vessel capable of reaching 40 knots of speed (with a range of up to 250 nautical miles). Upon approaching the target, in just 2 minutes the cabin is flooded in a controlled manner, transforming the hull into a wet sub (“wet” submarine) where operators breathe thanks to an onboard air support system.
• The underwater action: Once submerged, the VICTA navigates up to 8 knots with an underwater autonomy of 4 hours and a range of 25 nautical miles, reaching operational depths of 30 meters.

Unlike the old assault vehicles, where operators were exposed to the elements and currents during the entire approach journey, the VICTA allows covering hundreds of kilometers on the surface in full comfort and at very high speeds, drastically reducing exposure times to risk before diving for the attack or final reconnaissance.

Operational Efficiency and Strategic Distribution

Of the ten units acquired by Greece, the distribution clearly reflects the centrality of special operations:

• Six units are destined for the Special Warfare Command (SWC) of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (HNDGS).
• Four units will strengthen the dedicated departments of the Underwater Demolition Command (UDC) of the Hellenic Navy.

Thanks to a modular rail system, the VICTA can carry a crew of 2 people (pilot and navigator) and up to 8 special forces operators with complete equipment, combat loads, or specialized payloads. The provision of a fly-by-wire control system and four vertical thrusters also ensures millimetric stability and precise trim essential during the delicate phases of releasing divers in restricted or monitored waters.

With production localized in Skaramangas and prospects for new orders from other NATO navies, the VICTA confirms how the pioneering drive of Italian underwater assault vehicles finds today in the 21st century a new, formidable technological incarnation.