Ukraine and Greece will start joint production of naval drones to be used by both countries’ armed forces, a Greek media reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The relevant manufacture agreement was signed following the meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiye and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Sunday. The production line will be opened at Greek shipyards.
Greek companies participating in the program will provide electronic systems, optical equipment, sensors, and, if necessary, explosive materials.
During Zelenskiy’s visit, Ukraine and Greece also discussed expanding cooperation in the field of unmanned underwater vehicles if the BEC program is continued.
Ukrainian defense technologies are characterized as highly dynamic, with operational tactics being revised roughly every week to keep pace with Russia’s fast-advancing drone and unmanned systems capabilities. In the near term, a Greek military delegation along with representatives of the shipyard slated to host the assembly line are expected to visit Ukraine to advance the agreements made. According to the Greek media, the deal was reached following months of discreet consultations and high-level video conferences.
Ukraine has been actively deploying naval drones to hit Russian positions in the Black Sea. Throughout 2023–2024, these kamikaze drones caused major damage to the Russian Black Sea Fleet, striking and disabling numerous vessels. In late December, Ukrainian forces achieved a world first by destroying a Russian Mi-8 helicopter with missiles fired from a Magura V5 attack drone.
