The Hellenic Coast Guard delivered 44 new vehicles, which will be immediately deployed to coast guard stations across Greece as part of efforts to strengthen the service’s operational capabilities nationwide.
The procurement, with a total budget of approximately 32.1 million euros, was financed entirely through the European Regional Development Fund under the 2021-2027 Civil Protection Operational Programme and implemented through tenders prepared by the Strategic Contracts Unit of Greece’s National Development Fund under the “AEGIS” civil protection procurement programme.
The new fleet is expected to enhance the Coast Guard’s contribution to Greece’s national civil protection mechanism by improving its ability to respond to emergencies and natural disasters. The vehicles will be used for preventive patrols, evacuations during emergencies and natural disasters, and secondary assistance to affected areas and populations.
The fleet includes Ford Ranger pickup trucks with 170-horsepower engines and selectable four-wheel drive, designed for off-road operations with high payload and towing capacity, while also featuring modern driver assistance and safety systems.
Passenger vehicles consist of 130-horsepower Opel Astra models equipped with advanced driver assistance technologies, providing improved comfort and rapid, safe mobility.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Minister Vassilis Kikilias said the vehicles form part of the AEGIS programme, whose procurement procedures were launched during his tenure as civil protection minister.
“Strengthening the Coast Guard and safeguarding citizens are central priorities of our policy,” Kikilias said. “Modern equipment, properly trained personnel and the effective use of European funds can significantly enhance the role and operational effectiveness of the Coast Guard.”
He added that the government had fully implemented the AEGIS programme through transparent procurement procedures, with new equipment now being delivered to the security forces, the armed forces and Greece’s national emergency medical service (EKAB).
Kikilias also announced plans for a follow-up programme, AEGIS 2, under which the Coast Guard will procure offshore patrol vessels, high-speed interceptor boats, unmanned surface and underwater vessels, aerial drones, surveillance systems, the Vessel Traffic Management Information System and the Integrated Maritime Surveillance System.
He said the ministry is also tendering a new operations centre that will incorporate artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to improve operational response, monitor Greek ports, patrol the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), future marine parks and subsea cables, while strengthening efforts against illegal fishing and marine pollution.
“Alongside the recruitment of new Coast Guard personnel, we want island communities and all Greek citizens to know that we will continue to stand by them with every necessary means,” Kikilias said. “The Ministry and the Hellenic Coast Guard will be equipped with all the tools needed to safeguard our country.”
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