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.
The push is unfolding alongside efforts to identify Greek-made drones. During the “Doureios Ippos” (Trojan Horse) exercise, unmanned surface vessels were tested.
The modernization effort also includes training. A program launched at the Naval Cadet School in cooperation with MIT, through an initiative involving ELKAK (the Hellenic Center for Defense Innovation), combines instruction with testing of robotic boats at school facilities.
Separately, Dendias welcomed delivery on Monday of the first P-3HN surveillance aircraft to the Navy Aircraft Squadron. The aircraft arrived seven years late, following problems and 11 years after the signing of a $500 million modernization contract. The program covered up to five aircraft. The second is expected in 2027.
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ekathimerini.comIndependentCenter3 days agoGreek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias completed a visit to the United States, where he met with key American defense research institutions and companies focused on innovation and emerging technologies. During his visit, Dendias received briefings on next-generation autonomous unmanned systems, robotics, cybersecurity, high-power microwave systems, and advanced platforms designed to improve battlefield precision and decision-making.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of the defense minister's visit and the topics discussed without apparent ideological framing or biased language. It focuses on technical details of the discussions without emphasizing any particular political stance.
Official sources cited
- government Defense Minister Nikos Dendias
SKAIIndependentCenter4 days agoThe visit of Greece's Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, to the United States has concluded. During his visit, he met with officials from research institutions and American companies leading in innovation and new technologies related to defense. He was briefed on recent developments in defense technology, including autonomous unmanned systems, robotics, cyber security, and high-power microwave systems. He also visited facilities where an American company built an unmanned surface vessel that recently rescued the crew of a fallen Apache helicopter in the Persian Gulf. The minister was
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of the minister's visit and meetings without any apparent ideological framing or biased language.
Official sources cited
- government Ministry of National Defense
ekathimerini.comIndependentCenter5 days ago Athens seeks US defense technologyGreek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias is visiting the United States to engage with research institutions and defense companies specializing in robotics, artificial intelligence, cyber defense, and unmanned systems. The goal is to enhance Greece's naval capabilities, particularly for its new FDI frigates and fleet units. Discussions include unmanned surface vessels and ground vehicles. A recent incident involving the rescue of a U.S. Apache helicopter crew by a U.S. Navy unmanned vessel was highlighted as an example of evolving operational needs.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about Greece's efforts to acquire defense technology without overtly favoring any political perspective. It reports on official actions and mentions specific companies and incidents neutrally.
Official sources cited
- government Defense Minister Nikos Dendias
- organisation Saronic (company)
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