Greece launches domestically built autonomous patrol boat named Pirpolitis
The Hellenic Navy unveiled a 5-metre uncrewed surface vessel called Pirpolitis, capable of over 40 knots and equipped for surveillance and strike missions.
Greece’s navy presented Pirpolitis, a five-metre autonomous surface craft that can exceed 40 knots and operate with high autonomy. Fitted with electro-optical sensors, surface-search radar, communications and navigation systems, the boat is intended for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and anti-surface warfare, including one-way strike missions. Its name recalls the fire ships used in the 1821 War of Independence.
The platform is controlled from a console that can be installed on modern Greek warships, and its design allows future upgrades. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, who inaugurated the Inter-Service Training Center for Uncrewed and Autonomous Maritime Systems, announced that after successful trials the vessel will enter serial production. Pirpolitis is slated to appear at the October 28 parade in Thessaloniki alongside other modern military equipment.
Why it matters
It shows Greece’s push to develop home-grown autonomous naval technology and reduce reliance on foreign systems.
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