Focus on the construction progress and the dimension of Greek–French and European industrial cooperation within the USSPS programme
Athens, 29 January 2026 – A presentation and inspection of the construction works of the Unmanned Semi-fixed Sea Platform (USSPS) maritime surveillance floating platform were held today at Salamis Shipyards by Naval Group and ETME. Present were the French Minister of the Armed Forces, Ms Catherine Vautrin, the French Ambassador to Greece, Ms Laurence Auer, the Director General of the General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments (GDDIA), Major General Ioannis Bouras, as well as the Chief Executive Officer of Naval Group, Mr Pierre-Éric Pommelle, accompanied by a multi-member French delegation.
The project is implemented within the framework of the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP), under the auspices of the General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments (GDDIA) of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence, and in cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus.
During the briefing, the progress of the works, the main technical characteristics of the platform, and its operational functionality were presented, while a detailed overview of the next stages leading up to the completion of construction was also provided.
The inspection confirmed the smooth progress of the project and the effective cooperation between the Ministry of National Defence, ETME, Naval Group, and Salamis Shipyards, highlighting the advancement of a pioneering European defence and technology programme with a strong Greek footprint.
From ETME’s side, those present included Chief Executive Officer Mr Antonis Peppas, Mr Christos Tsiareas, Director of the System Engineering Business Unit, Mr Dimitrios Sarakatsianos, Vice President of Strategy, Technology and Business Development, and Mr Dimitrios Tsakalomatis, Director of the Offshore Business Unit. From Salamis Shipyards, President Mr Giorgos Koros was present, along with the entire Salamis Shipyards team.
About ETME
ETME is a Greek, innovative, and dynamically developing company with extensive experience in maritime surveillance and communications technologies, as well as expertise in hydraulic, environmental, and port projects. With nearly half a century of experience, it combines know-how with innovation, offering high value-added solutions in Greece and abroad.
More information: https://etme.gr/