Drones instead of ships: Greece develops autonomous maritime vessels
Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Greece is developing autonomous maritime drones to patrol the Aegean and Ionian seas, replacing larger naval units.
- These drones will be manufactured in Greece and will be operated from an Aegean island base.
- The country is also exploring the use of sea and air drones in defense cooperation with Kyiv for border control and wildfire prevention.
Greece is set to deploy domestically manufactured autonomous maritime drones to patrol its seas, marking a significant shift in naval operations. These unmanned vessels will initially monitor the Aegean Sea and later the Ionian Sea, gradually replacing larger, traditional naval units.
The initiative aims to enhance maritime surveillance and security. The drones will be built in Greece, with plans for their operation and basing on an Aegean island. This development underscores Greece's growing capabilities in defense technology and autonomous systems.
Beyond maritime patrols, Greece is also exploring defense cooperation with Ukraine. This collaboration includes the potential use of sea and air drones for managing irregular migration and preventing forest fires, highlighting a dual application of drone technology for both national security and disaster management.
The article also touches upon broader geopolitical discussions, including the future of NATO after Turkey's potential departure and an analysis of voter shifts in Greece. Additionally, it mentions the US political landscape, referencing the 4th of July and the "MAGA" movement.
Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.