Mitsotakis at ASDEN: Two UAV drone systems the new Laskaridis donation – Negotiations for 2+2 FREMM Bergamini frigates from Italy (photos)

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is scheduled to visit the Supreme Military Command of the Interior and Islands to participate in the ceremony for the integration of two V-Bat unmanned systems, generously donated by Athanasios Laskaridis.

This marks another significant donation from Mr. Athanasios Laskaridis to the Hellenic Armed Forces, aimed at enhancing their capabilities with advanced military equipment. The new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which are revolutionizing warfare in the early 21st century, are intended for monitoring the Aegean islands and areas in Evros.

The two upgraded V-Bat unmanned systems are VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) drones from the U.S., capable of operating in various terrains. They can fly for up to 10 hours at speeds reaching 90 kilometers per hour. Notably, these systems are effective in environments where GPS signals and communications are unavailable, featuring infrared sensors for day and night surveillance and the ability to carry specialized mission payloads.

The adoption of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and state-of-the-art air surveillance technology is a core aspect of the new Armed Forces strategy to address modern challenges, as emphasized by National Defence Minister Nikos Dendias. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is actively monitoring advancements in the global defense industry, expressing his commitment to avoiding past mistakes as we enter an era of artificial intelligence. He stated, “If we are to invest 28 billion over the next 12 years, I want to ensure we develop a robust and dynamic defense industry, from traditional components to cutting-edge technologies.”

Drones and Bergamini Frigates

The Hellenic Army is set to enhance its drone capabilities for both reconnaissance and offensive operations, and is also preparing anti-drone systems to counteract enemy UAVs, as reported by protothema.gr. These anti-drone measures will be integrated into the “Achilles’ Shield” (or Hellenic Dome).

Simultaneously, negotiations are advancing regarding the acquisition of 2 + 2 FREMM Bergamini frigates from the Italian Navy, following the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Rome, where the Greek delegation asserted priority over competing offers.