Greece says explosive unmanned sea drone found in Ionian Sea belonged to Ukraine
Speaking to reporters ahead of the European Union Defense Ministers’ Meeting in Brussels, Dendias said Greek authorities are now “certain” that the unmanned maritime drone originated from Ukraine.
According to the minister, the incident poses significant concerns for maritime safety and freedom of navigation in the region.
“We are now certain that this was a Ukrainian unmanned sea vehicle. Its presence in these waters affects freedom and security of navigation. This is an extremely serious matter,” Dendias stated.
The drone was reportedly discovered by local fishermen near the waters of Lefkada Island in the Ionian Sea. Greek authorities later confirmed that the unmanned vehicle was carrying approximately 100 kilograms of explosives.
Officials conducted a controlled disposal operation off the coast of Astakos, successfully neutralizing the explosive materials without casualties or environmental damage.
The discovery has raised broader security concerns over the movement of military-grade unmanned systems across Mediterranean and Ionian maritime routes, particularly amid the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
Security analysts say the incident could intensify debates within the European Union and NATO regarding maritime surveillance, drone warfare, and regional naval security.
