Jason-class

The Jason-class tank landing ship (LST) was developed through a collaboration between Elefsis Shipyards, the National Technical University of Athens, and the Hellenic Navy. The Greek government ordered the ships in 1986 to replace surplus United States vessels from the Second World War era. This domestic program was initiated to establish Greek experience in warship design and construction. While five vessels were completed between 1994 and 2000, financial instability at Elefsis Shipyards led to delays during the production of the final three units. A planned sixth ship was canceled in 2000.

The class is designed to transport infantry, main battle tanks, and supporting military vehicles such as armored personnel carriers and artillery. For ship-to-shore movement, each vessel carries four landing craft, including both standard and fast variants of the LCVP 36. Aviation facilities consist of a single helipad for a medium helicopter. The sensor suite includes 2D surface and air surveillance radar, navigation radar, and a fire control system integrated with tactical data processing. Defensive measures include a chaff and decoy launching system. The ships were not equipped with a modern close-in weapon system (CIWS).

The five commissioned vessels—Chios, Samos, Ikaria, Lesvos, and Rodos—constitute the primary amphibious force of the Hellenic Navy alongside Zubr-class hovercraft. In the absence of specialized marine fighting vehicles, the Hellenic Navy employs landing tactics similar to those used in the mid-20th century. All five ships remain in active service.