Greece showcased a range of new weapons systems, unmanned vehicles, drones and domestically developed defence technologies at the military parade in Thessaloniki on 28 October, as the country advances its armed forces modernisation programme under the government’s Agenda 2030.
The systems made their first appearance at the national anniversary parade before political, state and military leaders and the public. They highlighted Greece’s efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities through advanced technology, autonomous platforms, electronic warfare systems and domestic defence innovation.
Particular attention focused on the Achilles’ Shield air-defence initiative and systems developed in Greece, including the Pyrpolitis unmanned surface vessel, designed and developed by the Hellenic Navy, and technologies produced by the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI).
Read more: Greece Showcases New Weapons Systems at Thessaloniki Parade (VID)
Defence Minister Nikos Dendias has described these developments as part of Agenda 2030, which aims to strengthen Greece’s deterrence capabilities, incorporate new technologies and expand the domestic defence industry.
Dendias has also highlighted the role of a new force structure, long-term defence procurement planning, autonomous systems, cyber defence, reserve-force development and domestic innovation in building what he describes as the strongest armed forces in the history of the modern Greek state.
The systems presented at the parade covered air defence, missile artillery, unmanned aerial and maritime operations, electronic warfare, battlefield communications, reconnaissance and disaster response.
Air defence and missile systems
DRONE DOME command-and-control vehicle
The DRONE DOME vehicle provides electronic surveillance and counter-drone capabilities. Its equipment can collect signals intelligence, capture imagery and disrupt GPS signals and communications used by hostile drones or aircraft within specified frequency ranges. Cameras and radar displays also help operators build an updated picture of the electronic battlefield.
SPYDER air-defence system
The SPYDER is a mobile, all-weather medium-range air-defence system with 360-degree radar coverage. Its AESA radar can detect and track aerial threats at distances of at least 150 kilometres, while its command-and-control connections allow it to share information with Greece’s air-surveillance network.
The system uses DERBY and PYTHON missiles and can also employ electro-optical and infrared sensors to detect and track targets without activating its radar. Its layered air-defence capabilities cover short and medium ranges, with the supplied description citing engagement distances of up to 80 kilometres.
BARAK MX air-defence system
The mobile BARAK MX system can deploy different guided missiles against aerial threats at ranges of approximately 35, 70 and 150 kilometres. Its potential targets include aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles, guided munitions and tactical ballistic missiles.
The system’s missiles use active guidance, with onboard radar activating during the final stage of flight.
DAVID’S SLING missile system
A vehicle carrying STUNNER and other missile-related equipment was also presented as part of the DAVID’S SLING system. Designed to counter threats ranging from ballistic missiles to advanced fighter aircraft and cruise missiles, STUNNER can reportedly engage targets at altitudes of up to 15 kilometres, speeds of up to Mach 7.5 and distances of up to 130 kilometres.
Instead of relying on a conventional explosive warhead, the missile destroys its target through direct impact, using kinetic energy. Its guidance system combines electro-optical and infrared sensors with radar.
PULS multiple-launch rocket system
The PULS system represents a major addition to Greece’s rocket-artillery capabilities. It combines rapid deployment with precision strikes and a stated maximum range of up to 300 kilometres, allowing artillery units to engage targets at considerable distances.
Unmanned systems and battlefield reconnaissance
ANEMOGIANNIS unmanned surface vessel
The Greek-designed and built ANEMOGIANNIS is an unmanned surface vessel intended for maritime interdiction and attacks against hostile naval targets. It can launch from land or a naval platform and uses a low-profile design to reduce its detectability.
The vessel carries electro-optical and infrared sensors and uses inertial and autonomous navigation supported by satellite links and radio communications. It can reach speeds of up to 75 kilometres per hour and carry a 50-kilogram warhead.
PYRPOLITIS unmanned surface vessel
The Hellenic Navy designed and developed PYRPOLITIS as part of its move towards unmanned maritime operations. The five-metre vessel can reach speeds of up to 40 knots and supports intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance and anti-surface warfare. Its stated design also allows for one-way attack missions.
Its equipment includes an electro-optical system, surface radar, communications and navigation sensors.
CORSAIR unmanned surface vessel
CORSAIR, developed by US company Saronic, can operate autonomously or under an operator’s control. Its navigation systems, surveillance sensors and data-sharing capabilities support maritime monitoring, intelligence gathering and operational awareness.
Its appearance reflects the Hellenic Navy’s broader effort to combine crewed ships with unmanned platforms.
ANTEOS unmanned ground vehicle
The Greek-designed ANTEOS is a six-wheeled unmanned ground vehicle intended for logistics, casualty evacuation, surveillance and reconnaissance. It can also serve as a communications platform or weapons carrier.
Its design features a reinforced frame and low acoustic and thermal signatures. The vehicle can carry a payload of up to 600 kilograms and operate for up to eight hours.
AGEMA amphibious unmanned ground vehicle
AGEMA is a fully amphibious unmanned ground vehicle designed for difficult terrain and extreme environments. It can move through rivers, lakes, marshes and flooded areas.
The modular vehicle can support search-and-rescue operations, transport cargo and conduct route surveillance using thermal cameras. Its design also incorporates artificial intelligence and advanced autonomous capabilities.
ARPYIA mini-cruise attack system
The Greek-designed and manufactured ARPYIA is a high-performance unmanned aerial system in the mini-cruise, one-way attack category. It can navigate autonomously along a programmed route and fly at low altitude.
Its low radar cross-section makes early detection more difficult, while its high subsonic speed and ability to fly at greater altitudes support precision attack missions.
V-BAT unmanned aircraft
The V-BAT is a vertical take-off and landing unmanned aircraft designed to provide operational forces with real-time intelligence. It has a wingspan of 3.8 metres, a length of 2.9 metres and a maximum speed of 139 kilometres per hour.
The aircraft can remain airborne for up to 12 hours and has an operational range exceeding 200 kilometres. Its operating team combines an aircraft operator, a payload operator and ground personnel to collect, process and transmit information.
PATROLLER unmanned aircraft
The French-made PATROLLER supports surveillance, target reconnaissance and intelligence collection over land and sea. Its long range and endurance allow it to monitor large areas for extended periods.
Advanced electro-optical and infrared sensors transmit information in real time, strengthening Greece’s surveillance network and supporting border protection in peacetime and wartime.
HMMWV M998 Humvee with drone operators
The HMMWV M998 vehicles displayed at the parade carry operators and modern unmanned aerial systems, including multirotor drones. These systems support surveillance, reconnaissance and attacks against hostile threats.
Their inclusion reflects the growing role of drones in contemporary warfare and the Greek armed forces’ efforts to adapt to changing battlefield requirements.
STRYKER M1126 armoured vehicle
The eight-wheeled STRYKER M1126 provides infantry units with mobility, protection and firepower. Its basic Infantry Carrier Vehicle configuration can transport up to nine personnel and carries either a remotely operated turret with a .50-calibre machine gun or a 40mm MK-19 grenade launcher.
The related M1296 Dragoon variant features a remotely operated turret with a 30mm cannon.
VICTA special operations vessel
VICTA combines the characteristics of a high-speed surface craft and a submersible. It is designed to transport special forces, including combat divers, covertly into hostile areas while reducing the risk of detection by radar and thermal cameras.
The vessel has a crew of two and can carry six additional personnel. It can travel at up to 40 knots on the surface and eight knots underwater, with a maximum diving depth of 30 metres.
PLUTINO and PLUTO GIGAS underwater vehicles
The Italian-built PLUTINO and PLUTO GIGAS underwater systems support mine detection and neutralisation.
PLUTINO is the lighter member of the PLUTO family and is designed to clear mines in shallow waters. It can operate remotely or autonomously and uses sonar, a high-definition camera and navigation equipment designed for conditions with little or no visibility.
PLUTO GIGAS is intended primarily for deeper-water mine-countermeasure operations. It can carry specialised explosive charges or tools to destroy or neutralise submerged mines, while eight thrusters help it maintain a stable course in currents of up to five knots.
Seahake Mod 4 torpedoes
The German-made Seahake Mod 4 is a heavy-weight torpedo manufactured by Atlas Elektronik for submarine operations. Its fibre-optic guidance system allows a submarine to maintain control and update targeting information throughout the torpedo’s journey.
Designed for operations in both shallow and deep water, it incorporates features intended to improve resistance to interference and countermeasures.
ROTINOR DIVEJET underwater scooters
The ROTINOR underwater propulsion systems allow Greek Navy combat divers to enter operational areas quickly and discreetly. Their electric propulsion systems provide quiet movement, while advanced navigation equipment supports accurate underwater travel.
Electronic warfare and counter-drone technology
KENTAVROS counter-drone system
The Hellenic Navy’s KENTAVROS system detects and neutralises hostile unmanned aircraft. The Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation and the Hellenic Aerospace Industry developed the system in cooperation.
KENTAVROS has undergone operational testing aboard Greek Navy frigates in the Red Sea as part of the European Union’s ASPIDES operation. The Navy is also developing its use of unmanned surface vessels for surveillance and targeting, including coordinated operations involving multiple vessels.
HYPERION counter-drone system
The Hellenic Aerospace Industry is developing HYPERION, a counter-drone system that has entered advanced testing. It is designed to detect and neutralise hostile unmanned aircraft and can be installed aboard ships or at land bases.
ARCHYTAS unmanned aerial system
ARCHYTAS emerged from cooperation between the Hellenic Naval Academy, the National Technical University of Athens’ School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and domestic private-sector companies.
The system can take off and land vertically, allowing it to operate from land or Hellenic Navy vessels on surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
A-900 vertical take-off and landing drones
The A-900 unmanned aircraft can operate from Hellenic Fleet units or land bases. Their electro-optical systems provide a detailed surface picture in real time, strengthening the Navy’s operational surveillance capabilities.
Camcopter S-100
The Austrian-made Camcopter S-100 vertical take-off and landing aircraft are intended initially for deployment aboard Greece’s new FDI, or Belharra-class, frigates.
Their capabilities include early threat detection and the real-time transmission of surveillance information beyond the horizon. The Navy expects the aircraft to strengthen the frigates’ ability to monitor and engage surface threats.
Mobile drone-production unit
The mobile production unit allows personnel to manufacture first-person-view (FPV) drones in the field. The systems, produced by the 306th Telecommunications Base Factory and the 316th Technical Area Workshop, can support operations during both day and night.
Communications, command and disaster response
AMFIKTYON mobile communications station
The AMFIKTYON mobile base communications station provides communications coverage for military operations and emergency responses to natural or technological disasters.
Installed in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, it carries telecommunications equipment and a telescopic mast for antennas. Authorities can deploy it where military units need communications support or where disasters have disrupted local infrastructure. It can also provide communications access to residents affected by disasters.
DEFKALION tactical disaster-response command centre
The DEFKALION mobile operations centre supports command and control during responses to natural and technological disasters. Built on a 6×6 MAN vehicle with a 400-horsepower engine, it can operate across difficult terrain and continue functioning when local infrastructure fails.
It contains a six-person staff workroom and a separate leadership meeting room. Its communications systems connect with land, maritime and air assets, as well as Civil Protection, the Fire Service, the Hellenic Police, the National Centre for Emergency Care and the Hellenic Coast Guard.
The vehicle also accesses the armed forces’ secure data network through the HELLAS SAT 4 satellite and can connect to the internet through satellite or mobile networks. Two drones and a thermal and optical observation camera can transmit live images to the National Operations Centre at the Hellenic National Defence General Staff.
Mobile first-aid station
The mobile first-aid station provides an autonomous, rapidly deployable medical facility for military units. Its specially configured cabin contains modern medical equipment for treating emergencies, allowing personnel to establish medical support quickly in the field.
METOIKOS communications system
The Air Force’s Telecommunications and Electronics Equipment Factory designed and assembled METOIKOS as a self-contained, mobile communications hub.
The system can restore or expand communications in a range of environments, including areas affected by natural disasters. It supports satellite, microwave, 4G/5G LTE and wired IP connections, along with services including VoIP, VoSIP, MIS, JCHAT, IRIDA, Link 16 and RoIP.
METOIKOS can operate independently for 13 hours using its onboard generator. Depending on its configuration, personnel can deploy it in between 45 minutes and three hours.
The systems on display illustrate Greece’s push to integrate unmanned platforms, advanced sensors, electronic warfare and secure communications into its armed forces, while developing more domestic defence technologies and strengthening support for military and emergency-response operations.
(Source: AMNA)