The Hellenic Armed Forces have taken an important step towards strengthening their unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) inventory. Two new UAVs of the V-BAT type, originating from the USA, were delivered to the Greek army with a meaningful donation from the Athanasios Laskaridis Foundation. The UAVs provided through this strategic donation were officially incorporated into the Hellenic Land Forces in a special ceremony held in Athens on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
The handover ceremony was attended by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, as well as senior military and civilian officials and representatives of the donor Laskaridis family. The V-BAT UAVs have vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities, allowing them to operate in all types of difficult terrain without the need for a runway. This is considered a factor that will significantly increase the operational flexibility of the Greek army.
It was announced that the two donated UAVs will operate in strategically important areas. Accordingly, one of the UAVs will undertake reconnaissance, surveillance and patrol missions in the Thrace and North Aegean regions close to the Turkish border. The other UAV will perform similar missions in the sensitive areas of the Dodecanese (Dodecanese) and the Southeastern Mediterranean in the Eastern Mediterranean. This deployment is seen as part of Greece’s strategy to ensure border security and increase its influence on regional developments.
Minister Dendias Emphasizes Strategic Power
Speaking at the ceremony, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias emphasized that the operational flexibility and deterrence of the Hellenic Armed Forces will increase significantly with the entry into service of these UAV systems. Dendias stated that the V-BAT UAVs should not be considered as a mere donation, but that these systems represent a strategic force multiplier for the Greek army. These statements once again reveal the critical role of UAV technologies in the operational capabilities of modern armies.
Integration with the “Shield of Achilles” Project
Defense Minister Dendias also stated that the donated V-BAT UAVs will be integrated into Greece’s new military doctrine, the “Shield of Achilles.” This new doctrine aims to reshape Greece’s defense strategies in line with technological developments. Dendias added that the Defense and Security Technologies Research Center (ΕΛΚΑΚ) is currently working on four domestic UAV projects and aims to launch two more programs by the end of the year. This demonstrates Greece’s determination to increase domestic production capacity in the defense industry.
Minister Dendias, drawing attention to the fact that the modern battlefield is shaped by technology, said, “In the new era, the battlefield is now shaped by technology. In this context, every system, whether it is surveillance, electronic warfare or cyber defense, will be part of the bigger picture. This is not just a UAV, it is a symbol of transformation,” emphasizing the central role of technological investments in Greece’s defense strategy.
Example of Civil Society and Private Sector Collaboration
As reported by Defence Review GR, this generous donation from the Athanasios Laskaridis Foundation is a concrete example of the successful cooperation between the Greek Ministry of Defence and civil society and the private sector. According to the data announced by Minister Dendias, defense donations, which were only 2023 thousand euros in 234, increased significantly in 2024, reaching 23,5 million euros. The targeted donation amount for 2025 is set at 30 million euros. These figures show that civilian contributions to defense in Greece are increasing and that this cooperation is an important resource for defense modernization.
Future UAV Procurement Plans
In addition to the donated V-BAT UAVs, the Greek Land Forces will reportedly procure four French-made Patroller UAVs in the near future through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). The systems are planned to be deployed in Kavala and Rhodes within the scope of this purchase, which has a total value of €55 million. This procurement will further strengthen Greece’s UAV fleet in terms of quantity and quality, and will allow it to add systems with various capabilities to meet different operational needs to its inventory. The long-range reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities of the Patroller UAVs can significantly increase Greece’s perception of regional security.
In conclusion, Greece’s donation of US-made V-BAT UAVs and its future procurement of French Patroller UAVs clearly demonstrate the country’s strategic moves in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles. A successful example of civil society and private sector cooperation, this donation provides significant momentum to Greece’s defense modernization efforts while also reinforcing the country’s role in regional security and stability. In line with Greece’s technology-focused defense strategies, these investments in UAVs could provide a significant advantage in future military operations.
