New Unmanned Surface Vessel designs pitched to Hellenic Navy

Greek and British companies have teamed up to pitch a new range of unmanned surface vessels (USV) to the Hellenic Navy and Hellenic Coast Guard.

SAS Technology press release

At a critical juncture for the balance of power in the Eastern Mediterranean, SAS Technology (Spirit Aeronautical Systems S.A.), a member of the Spirit World Group, in cooperation with Sigmund Naval & Marine Ltd (UK), a leading Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) design house and strategic partner, Concept Marine Group (UK), a high-specification vessel builder, and an international EU/USA Class-A manufacturer of weapons, electro-optical and communications systems, conducted an official presentation to the Hellenic Navy General Staff (HNGS) and the Hellenic Coast Guard / Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy

The presentation introduced a comprehensive proposal for the domestic construction of next-generation Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs)—platforms already in operational use by European end users, fully adapted to the demanding maritime environment of Greece.

Responding to Regional Developments

This initiative constitutes a necessary strategic response to evolving developments in the wider Eastern Mediterranean, taking into account parallel programs undertaken by European countries and neighboring states, notably Turkey, which has already unveiled fully armed Attack Unmanned Surface Vessels (AUSVs) up to 75 feet in length at IDEF 2025.

Following the induction of the state-of-the-art frigate HS KIMON, Greece must further reinforce its fleet with autonomous force-multiplier systems, ensuring the preservation of technological superiority in the Aegean Sea.

Advanced USV Platforms

The presentation included a family of USV platforms manufactured from advanced composite materials, ranging from 7 to 30+ meters in length (with the ability to transport 6–10 personnel on platforms exceeding 20 m), designed for operation in sea states Douglas Scale 5 & 6.

Primary focus is placed on the 60-, 75- and 87-foot classes, combining high performance with exceptional operational flexibility.

With maximum speeds ranging from 30 to 70+ knots, the vessels can be equipped with:
 EO/IR and radar surveillance and reconnaissance systems
 Secure communications and satellite connectivity
 Integrated command and control systems enabling fully autonomous or semi-autonomous remote operation

Their modular architecture supports the integration of weapon systems when operation

Strategic Advantages: Cost, Safety and Deterrence

Compared to conventional manned platforms, the new USVs offer decisive benefits:
 Value for Money: Highly cost-effective acquisition and lifecycle costs
 Personnel Safety: Execution of high-risk missions without crew exposure
 Operational Endurance: Persistent surveillance and presence without fatigue or habitability constraints
 Reduced Operational Footprint: Lower support, personnel and logistics requirements

Dominance in the Aegean and the Libyan Sea

The platforms directly address Greece’s modern national security challenges:
Aegean Sea: Continuous surveillance and rapid response to asymmetric threats, creating a maritime “digital shield” for island defense.

Southern Crete & Libyan Sea: Extended-range presence and surveillance far from operational bases, covering vast maritime zones. The systems support missions of maritime security, search and rescue, and counter-illegal activities, in accordance with operational doctrine and rules of engagement.

International Expertise Combined with Greek Technological Development

1. Design by Sigmund & Construction Guidance by Concept Marine UK Advanced naval designs emphasizing optimized buoyancy, stability and low-signature (stealth) characteristics, leveraging extensive experience from mega-yacht and racing-boat construction.

2. Weapons, Sensors & Communications from EU/USA Class-A Manufacturer Integration of modern weapon and sensor suites tailored to user requirements, with emphasis on reliability and precision.
3. SAS Technology Systems SAS Technology integrates proprietary automation, navigation, control, communications and swarm-guidance technologies, transferring proven UAV expertise into the naval domain. Additional proprietary systems (SEASting, Sea Rescue, weaponized SARISA, ISR ARHS) are incorporated, delivering full mission coverage specifically adapted to the Greek maritime environment.

Spirit World Group Maritime Expertise & CMG Contribution

Implementation is reinforced through collaboration with Spirit World Shipping and Spirit Management Services, providing real-world operational and shipbuilding expertise from open-sea maritime operations.

The program also marks the Group’s entry into large-scale unmanned systems manufacturing, with plans to establish in Greece a state-of-the-art composite materials facility for air and sea applications and a dedicated USV shipyard for large platforms (+10 m).
The partnership with Concept Marine Group (CMG) brings extensive experience in high-performance vessel design—including mega-yachts and racing platforms—supporting optimization of hydrodynamics and overall platform efficiency.

“The induction of frigate KIMON marks a new era for our Navy. SAS Technology complements this power with autonomous force multipliers for the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. Greece now acquires a true maritime digital shield. With Sigmund’s design, firepower solutions from a leading EU/USA Class-A defence manufacturer, and our own technology, we deliver world class platforms—built by Greek hands.”

Michalis Spiridakos, CEO – SAS Technology

“We are proud to present the future of naval defense in Athens with our partner SAS Tech. This collaboration enables the development of sovereign autonomous surface vessels tailored to Greece’s strategic needs—an essential step in strengthening maritime security and technological sovereignty.”

Peter Symonds, CEO – Sigmund Naval & Marine Ltd

“Concept Marine Group is delighted to collaborate with SAS Tech on the future of autonomous defense. The combination of Sigmund’s design excellence, SAS’s operational expertise and our proven track record in delivering high-specification vessels creates a uniquely powerful partnership. Establishing local infrastructure in Greece is a source of great pride for us.”

Kevin Viles, CEO – Concept Marine UK