DEFEA 2025: Greek company Trygons launches new ER69D unmanned surface vessel for long-range maritime operations.

At the 2025 edition of the DEFEA defense exhibition in Athens, the Greek company Trygons Drones presented the ER69D, an unmanned surface vessel (USV) designed for long-range and autonomous maritime operations. The ER69D is based on the Trygons EcoRunner hull series, which has been under continuous development since 2012. The platform is derived from wave-piercing hull designs that have been extensively tested in the Aegean Sea for autopilot-controlled endurance navigation under varying and severe weather conditions. The current iteration incorporates data from thousands of cruising hours to optimize course-keeping performance in challenging maritime environments.
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The vessel is equipped with a 1,700cc inboard diesel engine and is capable of operating within an estimated range of 800 to 2,300 nautical miles. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The ER69D integrates features intended to support covert operations and long-endurance missions. These include a reduced radar cross-section, low thermal signature, and autonomous navigation capabilities. The platform supports the integration of modular payloads, such as sensors and communication systems, within dedicated bays. It is designed for sustained operation at sea and is capable of functioning in both littoral and open-sea environments. The hull can be equipped with either outboard or inboard engines of up to 200 horsepower, and the fuel tank capacity is configurable up to 1,000 liters. The total payload capacity, including fuel, reaches 1,500 kilograms.

Technical specifications for the ER69D include a hull length of 6.96 meters, a width of 2.25 meters, a height of 0.91 meters, and a draft of 34 centimeters. The unladen hull weight without an engine is 220 kilograms. It is constructed from carbon fiber and offers a maximum load capacity of 1,200 kilograms. The vessel is equipped with a 1,700cc inboard diesel engine and is capable of operating within an estimated range of 800 to 2,300 nautical miles. Fuel consumption has been tested at 0.26 liters per nautical mile. The total cargo volume is listed at 2,430 liters. The ER69D has been tested up to level 9 on the Beaufort scale and is manufactured in Greece. A variant of the platform allows seating for up to two persons, though unmanned operation remains the primary intended use.

In terms of modular equipment, Trygons offers waterproof sealed compartments that support various payload dimensions. Standard modular units include enclosures with capacities of 182 liters (0.65m x 0.80m x 0.40m), 364 liters (0.65m x 0.80m x 0.70m), and 868 liters (1.55m x 0.80m x 0.70m). These enclosures are designed for low radar visibility and are available with integrated power supply and cooling systems to support mission equipment. For clients requiring integration of their own systems, Trygons provides servo cable outputs for steering, throttle, trim, and gear selection. Full integration services are also available directly through the company.

Trygons Drones has developed several configurations of its hulls since the company's establishment. The ER69D originates from a series that began with the EcoRunner59, a carbon fiber platform that in 2013 completed a 105-nautical-mile autonomous journey using only 25 liters of gasoline. In 2021, second-generation hulls were introduced, offering improved directional stability in adverse weather and enabling autopilot navigation in all wind directions. In 2024, the company tested both a 4.7-meter version and a 7.8-meter version under Beaufort 7 conditions. Both vessels maintained their course autonomously in the Aegean Sea, with the larger version supporting a standing person at the tip during testing.

Trygons Drones currently manufactures drone vessels ranging from 1 to 14 meters in length. The company has developed manufacturing methods that incorporate monocoque single-shot infusion and carbon-fiber rib reinforcement. These processes reduce structural weight while enhancing strength and dimensional stability. The firm emphasizes performance based on field-tested parameters, noting that mission characteristics such as range, fuel consumption, and payload effectiveness are validated through real operational use rather than theoretical modeling.

Trygons Drones operates as a research, design, and manufacturing company specializing in high-performance, modular unmanned platforms. It offers production capacities ranging from one unit per month to ten components per day. The company’s industrial capabilities include large-scale carbon and glass fiber molding through infusion techniques, which reduce both production time and material waste. Its facility and processes support the construction of single-shot hollow structures with integrated reinforcement, allowing for reduced component weight and increased structural stability.

Trygons Drones is affiliated with Trygons S.A., which has over three decades of experience in the design and production of composite parts. The group’s activities span multiple sectors, including sports, medical, and automotive applications. Technologies developed in one sector are frequently adapted to others, including defense. The company has completed over 200 composite design projects and invested more than 8 million euros in research and development. It maintains an approach centered on direct customer engagement, manufacturing support, and long-term partnerships. The company does not pursue research projects that do not result in physical prototypes or field-tested products.

Trygons emphasizes operational sustainability in its production processes and adheres to a one-client-per-sector policy. Manufacturing is carried out with attention to environmental impact. The company has produced numerous components, including drone consoles, compartments, and other modular elements, which serve as standard options for platform development. These modular standards can be assembled to create customized vessels based on specific operational requirements. The company states that its platforms are the result of a combination of internal R&D, EU-funded programs, and extensive field testing aimed at identifying operational performance under real conditions.