The government has ordered that surveillance in the Ionian Sea and surrounding waters off western Greece be stepped up after a Ukrainian-origin sea drone was discovered off the island of Lefkada earlier this month.
Following a briefing received at the prime minister’s office in Maximos Mansion, the government issued instructions to the armed forces and coast guard to increase their presence in the area, Kathimerini understands.
At least one naval unit will be permanently deployed in the Ionian Sea, with a mandate to monitor maritime zones and improve coordination with Italian counterparts.
The enhanced measures also include strengthening military presence at island outposts, including the naval facility in Corfu under the Ionian Naval Command.
Officials said the maritime zones of western Greece – which host significant tourist and commercial activity as well as major energy investments by companies including ExxonMobil, Chevron, Energean and Helleniq Energy – will be subject to continuous monitoring from sea and land.
