Mystery USV Possibly Linked to Ukraine Found by Greek Fishermen

Greek fishermen operating in the Ionian Sea discovered an unidentified 5-meter unmanned surface vessel (USV) hidden inside a sea cave near Cape Doukato, on the southwestern tip of Lefkada, on Thursday. The craft’s engine was still running when it was found and recovered. Unofficial sources cited by Greek media suggest the vessel may have been carrying explosives and could be linked to Ukrainian maritime operations. My story for Naval News, here.

Romania Advances MMPV 90 Corvette Acquisition with Rheinmetall

Romania is advancing its naval modernization program with the planned acquisition of four new vessels. Two of these will be large multipurpose offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) built to a light corvette standard, similar to Bulgaria’s procurement of the MMPV 90. The remaining two vessels will be dedicated diver support and intervention ships. These projects form part of a broader package of 16 military procurement programs worth €8.3 billion under the EU-backed Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, according to a parliamentary document. The naval component alone is valued at approximately €920 million, making it the second-largest procurement effort under SAFE. Of this amount, around €836 million is allocated to the two light corvettes. My story for Naval News, here.

Naval Group Offers Blacksword Barracuda Submarine to Greece

Naval Group has proposed its latest Blacksword Barracuda submarine design to the Hellenic Navy as part of the service’s next-generation submarine program for four new attack submarines, responding to a RFI issued to industry at the end of 2025. The future submarine program is expected to replace Greece’s existing fleet of four 50-year-old Type 209/1100 and Type 209/1200 submarines. According to Naval Group Country Director David Pinot, the company determined that the Barracuda-derived design best aligns with the operational and technical requirements outlined by the Hellenic Navy. The Blacksword Barracuda is derived from the nuclear-powered Suffren-class submarine but adapted as a conventionally powered platform. The same design family was selected by the Royal Netherlands Navy for its future Orka-class submarine program (4 boats too). They will be the first submarines of the RNLN that are built at a foreign shipyard. My story for Naval News, here.