Lasting ten days and showcasing all the technological capabilities of the Navy’s unmanned aerial vehicles in the field, the small-scale technical exercise (LIVEX) “UVEX 1/26” took place from March 9 to 19, in the wider maritime area of the Saronic Gulf.

This type of exercise is being conducted for the first time by the Navy, within the framework of experimentation and the promotion of innovation. The exercise involved:

· Units from various Commands,
· Frigates,
· Fast Attack Craft,
· Patrol/Surveillance Vessels,
· Mine Warfare units and Underwater Demolition Teams, as well as
· unmanned vehicles (air, surface, and underwater), manufactured by various companies, including those from the Greek Innovation Ecosystem and the broader domestic defense industry.

Additionally, innovative systems developed and manufactured by the Research, Technological Development and Innovation Center (KETAK) of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff and the 306th Telecommunications Base Factory (306 EBT) of the Hellenic Army were also used and evaluated, such as the Mobile Drone Production Unit.

“UVEX 1/26” is a technical exercise aimed at evaluating unmanned and innovative operational systems, as well as testing the capabilities and responses of participating units in a modern operational environment.

The scenario

More specifically, the exercise was conducted in two phases. During the first phase (March 9–16, 2026), the preparation and testing of the participating systems took place, while in the second phase (March 17–19, 2026), the main part of the exercise was carried out at sea, with on-field evaluation of the systems.

Scenarios examined included both the operational use and countering of unmanned systems (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – UAVs, Unmanned Surface Vehicles – USVs, and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles – UUVs). In particular, areas tested included:

• dealing with swarm drone threats
• research, detection, and engagement of surface targets using armed or kamikaze drones
• use of electronic jamming
• deployment of unmanned vehicles in mine countermeasure operations
• protection of ports and critical underwater infrastructure

Particular emphasis was placed on the integration of unmanned systems into surface units (mothership concept), as well as on improving situational awareness and the composition of the surface operational picture through modern command-and-control systems and unified information management.

The invitation for company participation was issued by the Navy in cooperation with the Hellenic Center for Defence Innovation (ELKAK), within the framework of utilizing modern technological solutions and promoting cooperation between the Armed Forces and the domestic defense industry. Participating entities were given the opportunity to demonstrate and evaluate their technological solutions under realistic operational conditions.

This initiative is part of the broader effort of the Armed Forces to leverage innovative technologies, enhance interoperability, and adapt to modern forms of threats.

See photos from the impressive exercise