Following the success of the “Smart Tunnel” pilot project launched in 2019, which involved the installation of the first…

The first operational flight of the HERON 1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), offered by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX) to the Hellenic Coast Guard, took place today in Timbaki, Crete where its base will now be located.
The said UAV will carry out flights within the framework of the Joint European Operation “POSEIDON”, which has been carried out on a continuous basis since May 2008 under the coordination of the Hellenic Coast Guard and Hellenic Police Headquarters and the supervision of FRONTEX.
In his statement, the Secretary General of the Aegean and Islands Policy, Manolis Koutoulakis, after welcoming Mrs. Kalnaja to Greece and especially to Crete, on behalf of Mr. Plakiotakis, underlined the following:
“Here, in Tympaki, a remote-controlled UAV is now operating, which was granted by FRONTEX to Greece in order to contribute not only to the protection of the EU maritime borders, but also to the elimination of criminal activities at sea as well as to the protection of the marine environment. It should be noted that the Hellenic Coast Guard is the only coast guard force in the Mediterranean which operates with such an asset.
We are strengthening the Coast Guard with modern assets and human resources resulting in a significant improvement of its operational capabilities.
This development, combined with the titanic effort of the Hellenic Coast Guard personnel who operate with determination, respect for International Law and absolute priority to the protection of human life, have led to an impressive reduction in immigration flows in 2020, 2021 and 2022 compared to 2019.”
For her part, the Executive Director of FRONTEX (ad interim), Aija Kalnaja, stated the following:
“This is an important moment for FRONTEX and Greece. Together we will operate a UAV in the eastern Mediterranean, which is based in Crete. The aircraft is capable of conducting round-the-clock operations, it can transmit information and real-time data to the FRONTEX operational centers and our partners, allowing immediate assessment and response to various incidents – conditions, when deemed necessary.
The aircraft’s mission for the coming months is to support the Greek Authorities through border control and the detection and prevention of cross-border crime. It will contribute to efforts put to rescue people, who are often victims of traffickers. A similar aircraft operating in Malta has helped save lives at sea.
This asset is in service with the EU. The missions of FRONTEX contribute to the protection and safety of all Europeans, helping the authorities to combat cross-border crime and counter hybrid threats originating from areas outside the EU.”
Finally, the Head of the Hellenic Coast Guard, Vice Admiral Giorgos Alexandrakis, recalled that the Hellenic Coast Guard was the first Coast Guard force in the EU to use a UAV in 2018 with excellent results. This asset, he added, will contribute to the surveillance of maritime borders, to search and rescue operations, but also to the combat against organized crime.
Source: Hellenic Coast Guard
READ MORE
Italy | AI Reproduction of Defence Minister’s Voice to Extract Money
A new “technological fraud” has caused turmoil in Italy. A gang allegedly used Artificial Intelligence tools to reproduce the voice of…
Cyprus Police | Project Under the Homeland Security Fund for Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Crime Gear
The Cyprus Police, in the context of the prevention and fight against organised crime and terrorism, is implementing a project entitled…
EDGE Group – Leonardo | Collaboration Agreement Signed
EDGE and Leonardo have signed a collaboration agreement to further strengthen their partnership in developing…
Evelpidon Military School | First Place in the “XVI Commando Half Marathon” in Poland
On Saturday, 15 February 2025, the Evelpidon Military School participated in the XVI Commando Half Marathon with a delegation of three…
Cyprus and Egypt | Double Agreement on Energy Fields
The Memorandum establishes the framework for the effective commercialisation of natural gas extracted from the field.
Intracom Defence | Extension of its Co-operation with DIEHL DEFENCE on the IRIS-T Missile System
Intracom Defence (IDE) announced a new contract award by Diehl Defence for the development of a new advanced medium-…
Turkey | Abdullah Öcalan is Working on a “Democratic Solution” for the Kurds
PKK founder Abdullah Öcalan is working on a “democratic solution” for the Kurds, a delegation of pro-Kurdish…
Defence Standardization Advice (DSA) | Participation in the NATO Use of Civil Standards Worksho
Defence Standardization Advice (DSA), a leading private company specialising in Defence and Security Standardisation Capacity…
