Greek military to acquire four Mark VI patrol boats for special operations in Aegean.

According to information published by OnAlert on September 30, 2024, the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (GEETHA) is in advanced discussions with the U.S. to acquire four Mark VI patrol boats to strengthen Greece’s Special Amphibious Forces.
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Patrol Boat Mk VI 1206, operating under Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 3, moves into position to conduct boarding operations on the amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock. (Picture source: US DoD)

According to reports, the deal is progressing through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program, which offers military support to U.S. allies. Notably, the U.S. government plans to cover most, if not all, of the costs, as part of its military cooperation with Greece, which has supported Ukraine by providing ammunition during the ongoing conflict.

The four Mark VI boats will offer advanced capabilities for unconventional warfare, ideal for the Aegean's island-dense environment. Greece already operates four Mark V boats, delivered by the U.S. in 2020, which have proven highly effective as force multipliers in amphibious operations.

The Mark VI, measuring 25.8 meters in length, can carry a crew of 10 plus eight additional personnel. For special operations, the crew size can be reduced to accommodate fully equipped commandos. With modern systems, including infrared and thermal cameras, the Mark VI boats can serve as mini-command centers, ideal for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.

These patrol boats come armed with two remotely operated Mk 38 Mod 2 25mm guns and can carry up to six M2 .50 caliber machine guns, along with M240 and M134 machine guns, and Mk 19 grenade launchers. Their aluminum hull allows them to reach speeds of 45 knots (over 80 km/h) with a range of up to 750 nautical miles (1,400 km) at cruising speeds of 25 knots. The vessels also have the capacity to carry small rubber boats and drones, such as the Switchblade 600, which Greece plans to acquire soon.

Aegean Sea

The Aegean Sea is dotted with over 2,000 islands and islets, many of which are located near Turkey’s coastline. This creates a challenging operational landscape for the Hellenic Armed Forces, particularly for patrolling, defense, and logistical support. The islands vary in size and infrastructure, complicating efforts to defend them and respond to emergencies or threats. The scattered nature of these islands also presents difficulties in maintaining a rapid and coordinated military presence, especially in remote areas.

Greece and Turkey have long-standing disputes in the Aegean over territorial waters, airspace, and the continental shelf. Turkey's frequent military provocations, including airspace violations and naval exercises near Greek islands, continuously challenge Greece’s sovereignty.

The need to defend Greek airspace and territorial waters from encroachments requires constant vigilance, with the Hellenic Air Force and Navy often engaging in intercept missions.

The Aegean is a vital maritime corridor, not only for Greece but for Europe. The region faces threats from illegal activities such as smuggling, human trafficking, and illicit fishing operations. The Aegean has also been a key route for migrants and refugees, putting additional pressure on the Hellenic Coast Guard and Navy.