Naval Drone with Explosives Discovered in Ionian Sea
Greek authorities have safely neutralized a naval drone loaded with explosives after fishermen discovered it in the Ionian Sea. The unmanned vessel, believed to be of Ukrainian origin, was located inside a cave near Lefkada on Greece's western coast on Thursday, with its engine still operational. Bomb disposal experts from Greece removed the drone's detonators and battery to render it safe.
Security Concerns and Investigation
This incident has raised concerns regarding Greece's maritime security and its susceptibility to emerging military technologies. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances that led to the drone's presence in Greece's territorial waters and its intended purpose in the Mediterranean region.
Ukraine has employed naval drones to target Russian warships, tankers, and naval bases since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022. However, most of these operations have been confined to the Black Sea, which borders both countries.
Ukraine's military has not issued any comments on the matter. Both Greek and Ukrainian media have identified the drone as likely being a Ukrainian-made Magura model. Two reputable Greek news outlets reported that handwritten notes in Ukrainian were found aboard the vessel.
Explosives and Controlled Detonation
The drone was estimated to be carrying approximately 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of explosives. Due to this, Greek authorities conducted a controlled explosion in the sea near Astakos to safely dispose of the device.
Specialist teams from the Greek armed forces are currently examining the drone to gather information about its origin and intended mission.
Theories on Drone's Presence
According to the Greek newspaper Ta Nea, several theories are under consideration. One suggests that the drone, which has an estimated range of 432 miles (700 kilometers), may have fallen into the sea during transportation. Another theory posits that the drone was intended to target Russian shipping in the Mediterranean but lost contact with its operator.
Public broadcaster ERT reported that the vessel was equipped with a built-in GPS system that could have been affected by adverse weather conditions. Additionally, sensors on the drone were found to be damaged when it was discovered.
Criticism of Greece's Naval Preparedness
The drone's discovery has sparked criticism concerning the preparedness of Greece's Navy for modern warfare challenges.
"Unfortunately, all Greek women and men are realising that the country is an open vineyard," opposition defence spokesman Michalis Katrinis commented.
The Communist Party of Greece issued a statement questioning the drone's presence:
"What business did the Ukrainian naval drone have in Greek territorial waters? What was its goal? Did the Greek government know if and in which operational plan it was part of? [...] Are other similar drones of other 'allies' also operating in Greek territorial waters?"
The nationalist pro-Russian Hellenic Solution party described the incident as a "conscious military provocation."
Government Response
Defence Minister Nikos Dendias sought to minimize the significance of the drone's discovery during a statement on Saturday:
"Because we know what it is and what it contains, we have nothing to envy."
He added that the Greek government is pursuing policies to ensure that "our homeland can produce and be able to equip the Navy with the most advanced drones and anti-drone systems that currently exist."
The incident has placed Greece's national security agency, armed forces, and several ministries on high alert.
Context of Ukrainian Naval Drone Operations
Ukrainian drones have repeatedly targeted Russian tankers transporting sanctioned oil and naval installations in the Black Sea, aiming to disrupt Moscow's revenue and military capabilities.
In March, Moscow accused Ukraine of attacking a sanctioned Russian tanker loaded with liquefied natural gas using "uncrewed sea drones" in the Mediterranean between Libya and Malta.
In November, Greece and Ukraine signed a joint cooperation agreement to produce naval drones, granting Greece access to Ukrainian technology for domestic use.
However, just a week ago, the Greek newspaper Kathimerini reported that Kyiv was seeking veto rights over the use of these drones in military operations, apparently due to concerns they could be employed against neighboring Turkey, with which Greece has longstanding territorial disputes.
