• Construction of Greek Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) with Sigmund UK Design

Athens, 29 January 2026: 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 operationally  required, as well as launch and recovery capabilities for unmanned aerial vehicles. 

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 

  • 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.
  • 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. 
  • 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.