Defense Minister Nikos Dendias at the inauguration of a drone factory in Malakasa, east Attica, on Friday.
Athens is accelerating efforts to develop and acquire unmanned systems to strengthen naval operations. This comes as Defense Minister Nikos Dendias visits the United States for meetings with research institutions and companies specializing in robotics, innovation, artificial intelligence, cyber defense, cybersecurity, unmanned vehicles and space telecommunications.
The armed forces are seeking unmanned capabilities that can quickly reinforce Hellenic Navy platforms, particularly new FDI frigates and fleet units. Contacts with US companies began before Dendias traveled to America, and several firms have already presented systems to the General Staff and the military branches.
Unmanned surface vessels are a top priority, although discussions have also included unmanned ground vehicles. Athens has engaged with major US defense companies, including Anduril Industries, a company founded in 2017.
Officials cited a rescue of the crew of an Apache attack helicopter shot down by Iranians near the Strait of Hormuz as an example of changing operational conditions. The rescue was carried out by a US Navy Corsair unmanned surface vessel developed by Saronic. The company’s chief executive, Dino Mavrookas, met with Dendias, and Saronic presented its systems to the navy.
