Greece reportedly concerned over Ukraine's conditions on use of jointly produced drones

Kyiv wants a say in how naval drones it plans to produce jointly with Greece will be used in the event of military action, a demand that has reportedly raised concerns in Athens.

Source: Euractiv, citing Kathimerini, a Greek daily newspaper; European Pravda

Details: Greece and Ukraine agreed last November to jointly produce unmanned surface vessels (USVs). The plan provides for the systems to be based on Ukrainian drone technology, with production to be carried out under a mixed industrial structure in which Greek shipyards were expected to play a leading role.

For Kyiv, deploying USVs in the Black Sea against Russia is of major strategic importance. Athens, meanwhile, believes they offer a comparative advantage in the Aegean Sea, where Greece faces long-running maritime disputes with Türkiye, which developed its first USV in 2021.

However, the Greek media reported that Kyiv has demanded the right to authorise the use of these naval drones by the Greek Armed Forces in the event of an armed conflict.

Negotiations are reportedly facing difficulties because Athens does not accept this condition.

Athens believes Ukraine is seeking to preserve balance in its relations with Türkiye, which it still sees as a mediator in relations with Moscow. The Greek media notes that Kyiv has not acknowledged this during the talks.

Background:

• Earlier this year, it was reported that the Greek authorities plan to develop an anti-drone protection system for the country's airports.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Greece last November.

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