Greece has unveiled the Pyrpolitis, a naval drone developed and built by the Hellenic Navy that can monitor maritime areas and carry out strike missions against surface targets.
The unmanned surface vessel (USV) was presented on October 13 at the opening of a new training center for unmanned and autonomous maritime systems at the Palaskas Training Center in Skaramangas. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias attended the event.
The project marks an effort to develop more military technology domestically rather than relying solely on foreign systems. According to the Ministry of National Defense, the Navy’s personnel handled the vessel’s design, development and construction.
What the Pyrpolitis Naval Drone Can Do
The Pyrpolitis measures 5 meters (16 feet) in length and can exceed 40 knots, or approximately 46 miles per hour (74 kilometers per hour), according to Greek public broadcaster ERT.
Its planned missions include intelligence gathering, maritime surveillance, reconnaissance and operations against surface targets. The vessel can also undertake one-way attack missions, in which the craft itself becomes the weapon and carries an explosive payload toward its target.
The Navy has equipped the vessel with an electro-optical system, surface radar, communications equipment and navigation sensors. Officials have not released specific figures for its operational range or mission duration.
The system also incorporates autonomous capabilities. However, these functions remain in the final stages of testing, according to Dendias. The announcement therefore marks the presentation of a developing platform, rather than confirmation that every autonomous function is already fully operational.
Mass Production Is the Next Goal
Dendias said the next step should be to produce the Pyrpolitis in large numbers to strengthen the Greek fleet. He also outlined plans to develop larger unmanned and autonomous vessels over time.
At the inauguration, the minister stressed the importance of linking domestic innovation with training, production and practical military use. He has also set a broader goal for Greece to become a leading European force in the operational use of autonomous systems by 2030.
The Pyrpolitis takes its name from the fireships used by Greek sailors during the War of Independence. Those vessels carried flammable materials and explosives toward enemy ships. The modern namesake applies a related concept through an unmanned platform, combining surveillance capabilities with the potential for offensive missions.
Its next development stages will determine how quickly the Navy can move from testing to wider production and deployment.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
