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Unmanned vessel discovered off Lefkada coast
Greek authorities are analyzing an unidentified naval drone recovered from a cave near Lefkada Island in the Ionian Sea on Thursday, after local fishermen raised the alarm.
The coast guard towed the vessel to Vasiliki port, where defense ministry officials took charge of the investigation. Early reports indicate the drone was equipped with explosives and its engine was still operational when found.
Possible links to Ukraine-Russia conflict
Greek media suggest the drone may be Ukrainian-made or connected to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. The vessel's design reportedly resembles Ukraine's MAGURA V5 drone, though this claim remains unverified.
No identifying markings are visible in footage circulating on social media, which shows the dark-colored drone with its top hatch open during transport by a Greek coast guard boat.
Purpose and origin under scrutiny
Military experts are working to determine whether the drone entered Greek waters due to technical failure or loss of communication with its operators. One theory suggests it may have been deployed against Russia's "shadow fleet" - tankers transporting Moscow's oil and gas to evade Western sanctions imposed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine's drone warfare capabilities
Ukrainian naval drones have significantly impacted maritime operations since Russia's full-scale invasion. These unmanned vessels have targeted Russian warships and tankers in both open waters and naval bases.
In November 2025, Ukraine claimed responsibility for a drone attack on two sanctioned Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea. BBC-verified footage showed the drones striking the vessels, resulting in explosions and thick smoke.
Recent Mediterranean incidents
Russia accused Ukraine of attacking a sanctioned LNG tanker in March between Libya and Malta using similar sea drones. The Arctic Metagaz vessel sustained heavy damage and was later found drifting without crew. Ukraine has not commented on these allegations, which occurred thousands of kilometers from its coastline.
Next steps
The Greek defense ministry continues its examination of the recovered drone. Both Greek and Ukrainian military authorities have been contacted for official statements regarding the vessel's origin and purpose.
