Kikilias at the handover of 51 Coast Guard vehicles: Next step — Procurement of drones for

Source: ProtoThema English

“The next step, following today’s delivery of new vehicles, is the procurement of unmanned vessels (drones) and new technology in the coming months, aimed at enhancing surveillance, protection, and security of Greece’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and its marine parks. Greece is a maritime power and must constantly prove it,” said Minister of Maritime Affairs and Island Policy Vassilis Kikilias during the handover ceremony of the new vehicles to the Hellenic Coast Guard.

The minister emphasized that the state has an obligation to provide Coast Guard personnel with all the necessary technological and operational resources to perform their duties with safety, professionalism, and patriotism. “The men and women of the Coast Guard prove daily that they are present everywhere — in every port, on every border island. The State must support them with modern tools and infrastructure,” he added.

51 New Vehicles Delivered

The ceremony marked the delivery of 51 new vehicles that will enhance the Coast Guard’s operational capabilities. The procurement is part of the project ‘Procurement of 215 land vehicles of various types for the needs of the Hellenic Coast Guard’, with a total budget of €11 million, financed by European funds under the Operational Program ‘Fisheries, Aquaculture and the Sea’ (NSRF 2021–2027).

The contract, worth €1,996,587, had a scheduled completion period of 14 months but was delivered eight months ahead of schedule.

The new vehicles will be distributed to central and regional Coast Guard units across Greece, strengthening security, policing, and supervision of fishing activities. Additionally, technicians have already received training in operation, maintenance, and repair, at no cost to the service. The contract includes a six-year or 160,000-km warranty, with the supplier responsible for maintenance and service in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

Focus on Technological and Operational Modernization

Kikilias underlined that the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Island Policy will continue implementing targeted initiatives for the technological and operational upgrade of the Coast Guard — including unmanned vessels, modernization of the operations center, and reinforcement of port authorities with new equipment.

“With planning, speed, and transparency, we are building a modern, capable, and omnipresent Coast Guard — in the service of security, insularity, and national sovereignty,” the Minister concluded.

Statement from the Coast Guard Chief

Admiral Tryfon Kontizas, Chief of the Hellenic Coast Guard, expressed his satisfaction with this significant enhancement of the service’s operational capabilities.

“With the delivery of these new vehicles, we are further strengthening our ongoing efforts to renew and modernize the Coast Guard’s assets. The vehicles will be deployed immediately in areas of high fishing activity and will contribute to effective surveillance, policing, prevention, and suppression of illegal acts. They are vital tools for fulfilling the complex and demanding mission entrusted to us by the Greek State,” he said, commending the dedication and professionalism of Coast Guard personnel “who serve the country with commitment and devotion every day.”

The original article: https://en.protothema.gr/2025/10/15/kikilias-at-the-handover-of-51-coast-guard-vehicles-next-step-deploying-drones-to-monitor-the-eez-and-marine-parks/ belongs to ProtoThema English .