It is now obvious that sea drones constitute the next ‘power multiplier’ for Greek Armed force And especially for the Navy, after what has happened in Ukraine and the Red Sea.
The Armed Forces are awaiting the proposals of Greek companies that will proceed with the next stages of the announcement of the Hellenic Defense Innovation Center (ELKAK) for the development of sea unmanned surface vessels, namely drones “kamikaze” for the naval field.
In total, the Greek companies submitted 32 proposals within about three months of the notice day, the deadline of which expired on June 2.
This is a number that has exceeded all expectations, highlighting the enormous potential of the Greek defense industry in the field of new technologies.
In this context, USVs are not characterized as a future affair. They are the present and it seems that the domestic defense industry has been awakened.
Idanian field The Aegean for USV Businesses
Archipelago’s geographical relief, with hundreds of islands and islands a short distance from the Turkish coast, creates an ideal field for the utilization of USVs.
Short distances, increased surveillance needs and limited manufacturing capabilities are elements that make the immediate involvement of unmanned instruments in business planning.
In this environment, The two new types of USV announced by ELKAK are the result of cooperation with staffsas is evident from the needs of the archipelago.
With a length of 30 and 50 feetboats according to the requirements will be able to Develop speeds of 40 and 50 knots respectively and have a business range of 200 and 400 nautical miles.
These vessels will be able to operate from the islands of the central and eastern Aegean, without the need to send manned units or aerial media.
Domestic know -how and innovation
The first attempts have already been made by Greek hands with highly encouraging results. However, there is still a road to an experimental marine drone to pass on mass production and use.
Reuters / Valenty’s Ogirenko
The adapted VTR by the Special War Management and the newly established Center for Research, Technological Development and Innovation (KETAK) of the GEFHA is already in the process of testing and adjustments as in the difficult Aegean environment.
The 6.3 -meter -type, RIB -type boat was equipped with thermal camera, flir, radar and triple communications systemwhile it can be automatically navigated by waypoints, but also return to its operator in the event of a signal loss.
It was manufactured with low -cost trading materials, and has the capacity to transport explosives so that it can be converted into a “kamikaze” drone, causing blows even into large displacement surface units.
By massive use, In flocks and coordinated saturation attacks, USVs are extremely difficult to deal with even modern ships with sophisticated proximity systems.
21st Century “Firms”
Particular reference is made to the USV type “Interceptigon N” of the Greek company Delian, presented at the Defea 2025 defense exhibition. With stealth features, speeds of 45 knots, 30 kilometers of range and 70kg of explosives, it is characterized as a potential “fire”.
The boat, according to the manufacturer, It has the potential to stay at the seabed, where it remains ‘invisible’ Until its activation, and can be moved either autonomously or as a member of the flock.
A “drone wedge” designed for speed, surprise and clarity accuracy – ideal for asymmetric businesses in areas with difficult navigation, such as the Aegean.
From surveillance to impact
Target is ‘Made in Greece’ USV not to be limited to surveillance missions. Depending on the type and configuration they can perform:
- Surveillance of marine zones, rivers and coastal areas.
- Identification of targets under any circumstances (ISR).
- Research and rescue (SAR).
- Protection of ports and naval facilities.
- Attacks against ships and submarines (in cooperation with sensors or UAVs).
Larger, unmanned, unmanned will be able to carry a remote -controlled reinforcement tower, with a system of targeting and target recognition, and there is even a provision for installation of spike nlos -type missiles.
A new doctrine for the Greek forces
OR Participation of the first Greek USV in special business exercise is not a simple test. It is, as the GEFHA designs, the first step of a new doctrine.
With the aim, in the first place, for the Special War Administration to acquire unmanned marine drones for all amphibious units of the eastern Aegean, with the next step in creating reinforced USV “kamikaze”.
After all, what happens in Ukraine, the Middle East and the Red Sea, prove the destructive dynamics of sea drones. All the more so in the “closed” Aegean, with short distances and the islands-Ormia, where Greece has a strategic advantage.
Source: Onalert.gr – Reportage: Costas Sarikas