Greek Experts Neutralize Suspected Ukrainian Naval Drone Found in Lefkada Cave

Greek bomb disposal experts on Thursday neutralized an unmanned vessel suspected to be of Ukrainian origin after finding it in a cave near Lefkada on Greece's western coast. The drone's engine was still running when authorities located it.

Specialists removed the detonators and battery from the vessel, estimated to carry around 100kg (220lb) of explosives. Greek forces later conducted a controlled explosion in the sea near Astakos.

Authorities are investigating how the drone reached Greece's territorial waters and its possible purpose in the Mediterranean. Ukraine has deployed naval drones against Russian warships, tankers and naval bases since Moscow's full-scale invasion in 2022, though most operations have occurred in the Black Sea.

Ukraine's military has not commented. Both Greek and Ukrainian media identified the vessel as likely a Ukrainian-made Magura drone with an estimated range of 432 miles (700km).

Specialist teams from the Greek armed forces are examining the drone for evidence of its origin and mission. Greek newspaper Ta Nea reported theories that it fell into the sea during transport or aimed at Russian shipping in the Mediterranean but lost contact with operators.

Public broadcaster ERT said the drone had built-in GPS possibly affected by bad weather and broken sensors when found.

Greece's Communist Party questioned the incident in a statement. "What business did the Ukrainian naval drone have in Greek territorial waters? What was its goal? Did the Greek government know if and in which operational plan it was part of? [...] Are other similar drones of other 'allies' also operating in Greek territorial waters?"

Defence Minister Nikos Dendias downplayed the discovery on Saturday. "Because we know what it is and what it contains, we have nothing to envy."

He added that Greek government policies allow the country to produce and equip the Navy with the most advanced drones and anti-drone systems available.