Ukraine wants to keep a say in how naval drones that Greece plans to produce under license for its armed forces are used.
According to Ekathimerini, talks between the two countries, now in their final stage, have run into serious disagreements.
Ukraine is insisting on retaining some control over how the systems are deployed.
Athens has rejected this demand, arguing it would restrict the Greek military’s sovereignty in a potential conflict, particularly with Türkiye.
Greece plans to establish production of Ukrainian naval drones at its own shipyards. This would help support jobs and ensure technological independence.
In addition to manufacturing, the country aims to gain access to unique technologies that Ukraine has developed and tested over the years of full-scale war.
In October 2025, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to launch joint production of naval unmanned systems (USVs) at Greek shipbuilding facilities.
Production will serve the needs of both countries: some of the naval drones will go to Ukraine, while others will be added to the Greek armed forces’ arsenal.
Funding for the project is already included in Greece’s long-term defense procurement plan for 2025–2036.
The two sides also plan to seek support from the EU’s SAFE program, which funds joint defense production with partner countries.
If the project is successfully launched, Athens and Kyiv intend to expand their cooperation to include underwater drones.
