The Hellenic Navy has completed an evaluation of US-based Saronic Technologies’ new unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), leading the Greek Government to submit a letter of request (LOR) to the United States to procure the craft through the foreign military sales (FMS) programme.
Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias said that the USV was recently evaluated by the navy. The minister added that the craft is capable of, “surveillance, reconnaissance and collaborative autonomous action in swarms.”
Several fleet units took part during the tests, which also included tactical cooperation with warships. The Hellenic Navy fleet support ship HS Perseas transported the USVs.
Citing military sources, news outlet Hellas Journal reported that Athens has requested more than 30 USVs and expects a US response within 2026.
An LOR opens the FMS case development process. It may lead to a letter of offer and acceptance, the government-to-government agreement under which an FMS transfer will be concluded.
The Saronic USV is a 7.3-metre autonomous vessel with a 454kg payload capacity, a range of more than 1,000 nautical miles, and a top speed of over 35 knots.
