NEWS CENTER / Greece took action to increase its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capacity in the east of the Aegean Sea. While a new UAV base is planned to be established on Samos Island, just opposite Aydın, it is aimed to add 10 more US-made V-BAT systems to the inventory. This move by Athens also brought to the agenda the capacity that Turkey has reached in the field of domestic and national unmanned aerial vehicles.
According to the news of Greek defense news site OnAlert, the Greek Land Forces plans to procure 10 new systems in addition to the existing V-BAT systems. The aim of the new systems is to carry out simultaneous reconnaissance and surveillance activities in different regions and to ensure operational continuity in maintenance and training processes.
NEW UAV BASE PLAN ON Samos Island
One of the most striking topics of the supply plan is Samos Island, located in the east of the Aegean Sea and right across from Aydın. It is stated that Greece plans to establish a new base on the island for the use of V-BAT systems.
The base in question is aimed to enable mission planning, maintenance and technical support activities of UAVs. Thus, the Greek army is planned to create a new support point for unmanned aerial vehicle operations in the east of the Aegean.
Greece first added V-BAT systems to its inventory with the donation of the Athanasios Laskaridis Foundation. In this context, two systems consisting of a total of four aircraft were received. While the first systems were deployed on the islands of Rhodes and Lesbos, the operational capabilities of the platforms were evaluated with flights carried out in the region.
It was reported that V-BAT systems are affiliated with the 472nd Surveillance and Information Battalion within the Greek Land Forces. A training center for the use of the systems operates in Komotini.
Türkiye'S DOMESTIC UAV FORCE ATTRACTS ATTENTION
According to OnAlert, Greece's plan to expand its UAV capacity in the Aegean also brought to the fore the technological and operational capacity that Turkey has reached in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles. Platforms such as Bayraktar TB2, AKINCI, ANKA and AKSUNGUR, developed by the Turkish defense industry, are in the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces for reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence missions.
Turkey's work in unmanned systems is not limited to existing platforms. Development activities for more advanced capabilities continue with unmanned combat aircraft projects such as Bayraktar KIZILELMA and ANKA III. Thus, Türkiye is expanding its technological infrastructure in the field of defense with unmanned aerial vehicles in different mission classes.
IT CAN STAY IN THE AIR FOR MORE THAN 12 HOURS
Developed by US-based Shield AI, V-BAT stands out with its fixed-wing flight capability as well as vertical take-off and landing. The system, which can take off and land from limited areas without the need for a runway, can perform missions in different terrain conditions.
According to the manufacturer's data, V-BAT, equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors, can stay in the air for more than 12 hours. The UAV has a wingspan of 3.8 meters, a maximum take-off weight of 75 kilograms, and a payload carrying capacity of approximately 18 kilograms.
The system, which offers a connection range of 130 to 180 kilometers depending on the communication equipment used, can be prepared for duty in less than 30 minutes by a team of two people. Its ability to land in an area of approximately 4.6 meters by 4.6 meters allows V-BAT to be used without the need for runway infrastructure.
IT WILL BE USED IN SEA AND LAND SURVEYING
It is stated that Greece plans to use V-BAT systems in sea and land surveillance, as well as reconnaissance, intelligence gathering and search and rescue activities. It is reported that evaluations regarding the coordinated operation of the systems with naval elements and other UAV platforms are continuing.
If the plan to supply 10 additional systems and establish a new base on Samos Island is implemented, Greece will create a new operational infrastructure for unmanned aerial vehicle activities in the eastern Aegean.
