Greece is advancing its home-grown defence capabilities with the successful deployment of the Centauros anti-drone system, which has proven effective in real-world scenarios. During its inaugural test with an EU patrol in the Red Sea last year, Centauros detected and neutralized two Houthi-launched drones while jamming two others, forcing their retreat. Developed by the state-run Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI), the system can detect drones up to 150 km away and engage them from 25 km.

This achievement is accelerating Greece's plans to build a robust domestic industry for anti-drone and drone technologies as part of a €30 billion military modernization program through 2036. Kyriakos Enotiadis, HAI's electronics director, highlighted Centauros as Europe's only battle-proven anti-drone system. Greece intends to equip its entire naval fleet with the technology.

Currently, Greece relies on foreign-made ISR drones from countries like France and Israel. The new program will integrate locally produced systems into the armed forces, including the Achilles Shield anti-aircraft dome. Amid tensions with Turkey—a major drone exporter—Greece allocates nearly 3.5% of its GDP to defence, but its domestic industry contributes minimally.

Over the next decade, Greece plans to invest €800 million in defence innovation via the Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation (HCDI). CEO Pantelis Tzortzakis aims to achieve export levels matching annual defence spending.

Private sector involvement includes Altus, which, in partnership with France's MBDA, developed the Kerveros combat drone—a VTOL UAV carrying over 30 kg, including anti-tank missiles. Altus co-owner Zacharias Sarris expressed optimism about the industry's growth, citing Greece's geopolitical needs.

Looking ahead, HAI will mass-produce portable anti-drone systems Iperion and Telemachus in 2026 to counter drone swarms, and unveil the Archytas UAV, inspired by an ancient Greek inventor.

Source: Reuters