On Friday, December 8, 2023, the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS), General Konstantinos Floros, inaugurated the new port facilities of the Special Operations Support Base of the military Camp “Lieutenant General ANDREAS KALLINSKIS”.

The construction of the facilities was carried out following specific directions of the Chief of the HNDGS and is part of the continuous upgrading of the capabilities of the Special Forces – Special Operations Forces of the Hellenic Armed Forces, aiming to create a strong self-sustaining formation of joint operational understanding and action in accordance with international standards, guaranteeing the efficient execution of each special mission.

The Special Operations Command, in collaboration with the Research and Construction Unit (MOMKA) of the HNDGS, proceeded with the design and implementation of the new crafts mooring and maintenance infrastructure in order to cover the camp and logistic support needs of its existing Units.

The new facilities include:

• Extension of the existing port of the Camp, with enhanced craft mooring capabilities
• Configuration of the port wharf and construction of inclined ramps for launching boats, with the possibility of carrying out technical work and reducing the response time of Readiness Departments
• Maintenance – technical support shed for existing and new High Speed ​​Vessels 
• Technical support & maintenance shed for Inflatable Boats
• Inflatable Boat Station
• High Speed ​​Vessels station 
• Diving center for maintenance of open- and closed-circuit devices
• Modern Helipad
• Perimeter lighting and fencing in the new facilities
• Road construction projects – asphalt paving, parking area configuration, and main gate configuration of the Special Operations Support Base

Also read: Special Forces | The first Munin S-1200 Armored crafts to the Amphibious Special Forces

The modern assets of Special Operations Units

The new Munin S1200 Armored high-speed boats fitted with a MERA-type drone from UCANDRONE (a member of the EFA GROUP) attended the opening ceremony. The drone in question can be used as a means of surveillance and reconnaissance for the Amphibious Special Operations teams both while using the boats and during mission execution after disembarkation.

Also read:  GEEF | Joint training of the National Guard and the French Armed Forces in amphibious operations – Photos

According to the company, the said drone is designed to carry FPV (First Person View) controllable electro-optical equipment for remote sensing and aerial photography/mapping at low altitudes, sensors for surveillance and reconnaissance missions as well as lightweight ammunition with a payload release mechanism.

Specifications:

• Length – Width: 56×56 cm
• Height: 35 cm
• Diameter: 80 cm
• Backpack transportation capability
• Weight: 2.1 kg
• Maximum payload weight: 1.5 kg
• Maximum take-off weight: 5.6 kg
• 4,800 W electric propulsion
• Endurance: 60 minutes (with a load of 250 g it is 45 minutes / with a full load 30 minutes)
• Max Speed ​​/ Cruising Speed: 22m/s / 10m/s
• Operational range: up to 8 km
• Automatic take-off on magnetic surfaces for safe navigation

MERA can also operate under light rain and snow.

On the stern of the Munin S1200 Armored and behind the last row of seats, a customized platform is installed where the MERAs can be mounted.

Also read: These are the Norsafe S1200 boats for the Hellenic Army – VIDEO

Below, you can watch our exclusive interview with the CEO of UCANDRONE, Mr. Stefanakis Dimitrios, as part of the DEFENCE ReDEFiNED team’s mission to Athens for DEFEA 2023.