Greece has delivered 138 new hybrid SUV vehicles to the Hellenic Coast Guard, strengthening its land-based operational capacity as part of a wider modernization drive, Shipping and Island Policy Minister Vassilis Kikilias announced.
The vehicles, Suzuki Vitara 1.4 GL+ Hybrid SUVs, are being immediately distributed to Coast Guard authorities across the country. Designed for both urban and off-road use, they feature modern hybrid engines, low fuel consumption, and full police equipment, allowing them to be deployed without delay.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Kikilias said the delivery is part of a broader program to upgrade the Coast Guard’s operational fleet, emphasizing usability, reliability, and safety. He noted that some of the vehicles were procured under the “Aegis” civil protection program, launched during his previous ministerial role, highlighting continuity in government planning.
The total cost of the 138 vehicles is approximately €5.34 million. Funding came from European and national operational programs supporting maritime policy, fisheries, and civil protection for the 2021–2027 period.
According to the ministry, the delivery is one step in a larger modernization effort. To date, 51 conventional vehicles have already been added to the fleet, while 40 more vehicles of various types are expected within the next three months. Contracts have also been signed for 81 pickup trucks, with further tenders planned for motorcycles and personnel transport vans. The overall budget for upgrading land-based assets exceeds €17 million.
Coast Guard Chief Vice Admiral Tryfon Kontizas welcomed the new vehicles, describing them as a strategic investment in operational effectiveness and personnel safety. He stressed that the enhanced fleet will improve response times, strengthen coastal patrols, and expand the service’s presence in remote areas.
