Greece announces 420 coast guard recruits and major border surveillance upgrade
Greece is set to strengthen its maritime border surveillance capabilities with 420 new Coast Guard recruits and a major equipment and technology programme, Shipping and Island Policy Minister Vassilis Kikilias has announced.
In an interview with Greek newspaper Vradyni, Kikilias said the government’s immediate priority is to address staffing needs within the Hellenic Coast Guard while accelerating the technological modernisation of the country’s maritime border surveillance system.
The planned programme includes the procurement of offshore patrol vessels, high-speed interceptor boats, unmanned surface vessels and submarines. Authorities are also planning a modern operations centre equipped with long-range drones and thermal imaging cameras.
Migration flows reported to have declined
Kikilias said the measures are already contributing to a decline in irregular migration flows, claiming an overall reduction of 34%, while flows from the direction of Türkiye have fallen by 61%.
Surveillance in the area of Crete has also been strengthened through aerial assets operated by Frontex and drones monitoring the Libyan Sea in cooperation with Libyan authorities.
The planned upgrades are intended to enhance the Coast Guard’s ability to monitor Greece’s maritime borders and respond more effectively to incidents at sea.
Kikilias highlights economic support
Speaking about Greece’s broader economic outlook and the government’s upcoming announcements at the Thessaloniki International Fair, Kikilias said supporting household incomes amid the global cost-of-living pressures remains a priority.
He added that economic growth driven by increased revenues from shipping, tourism and energy should be channelled back to society through targeted measures.
The minister also thanked Coast Guard personnel for their role in dozens of successful rescues and evacuations from coastal areas during recent devastating wildfires, praising their professionalism and composure.
