They do not wear pilot helmets or sit inside aircraft. Yet their hands remain fixed on flight controls and their eyes follow live images transmitted from above.
They are the Greek Army’s new generation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operators, training for a battlefield where rapidly evolving technology continues to rewrite the rules of military operations.
Their training goes far beyond learning how to fly a drone. The Greek Army aims to develop a new operational capability that combines precise control, calm decision-making under pressure and rapid assessment of real-time information with advanced technology.
At the IANOS Simulation Operations Centre, trainees begin with simulators and commercially available drones before progressing to increasingly complex platforms, including UAS developed and manufactured by the Greek Army.
The Athens-Macedonian News Agency visited the training facility, offering a glimpse into a military that is investing heavily in technology, specialist training and new operational skills.
“Our goal is to prepare the operator as comprehensively as possible so that, when they return to their unit, they can operate safely and effectively and meet the demands of modern operations,” the centre’s director told AMNA.
The centre trains Class I UAS operators while also running specialised courses for assisted-control systems and First Person View (FPV) drones.
FPV operators wear specialised goggles that display a live feed from the drone’s camera, creating the sensation of flying from inside the aircraft. These systems demand particularly advanced skills.
Military units select trainees according to operational requirements and readiness levels. Instructors assess candidates on both technical knowledge and personal aptitude.
“Operating a UAS is a specialised ability, and not everyone responds to the demands of training in the same way,” the IANOS director said.
The central challenge involves making flight controls second nature.
“The operator should not have to think about how to turn, take off or land the UAS,” the director explained. “Those movements must become automatic so that their attention remains entirely focused on the mission.”
Military Drone Operations Demand More Than Recreational Flying
Military UAS operations bear little resemblance to flying a recreational drone for photography or entertainment.
Civilian users primarily learn basic controls and safe flight rules. Military operators must fly in high-pressure environments where drones serve as operational assets linked to specific mission objectives.
Precision, reaction speed, real-time data analysis, pressure management and the ability to respond to unpredictable conditions turn drone operation into a highly demanding military skill.
The Stages of Drone Operator Training
Training begins in a simulator, where students become familiar with flight controls and the operating environment.
Trainees then move to small commercial drones fitted with propeller guards. Their low maintenance costs allow students to build practical experience while developing “muscle memory”.
Instructors use the same controller throughout the training stages to automate fundamental movements.
“The better someone learns to use the controller, the more effective they will be when operating any system,” one experienced instructor told AMNA.
Students later progress to FPV drones, which instructors consider among the most challenging systems. Unlike many conventional drones, FPV platforms may lack stabilisation and GPS-assisted flight features.
Operators then enter a specially designed obstacle course, where they practise precision flying, navigate confined spaces and manage changing weather conditions.
Training eventually moves to a firing range and larger UAS platforms, many of which the Greek Army now manufactures itself.
The Young Soldiers Behind the Controls
A 20-year-old professional enlisted soldier told AMNA that the combination of technology and operational activity attracted her to drone training.
“It is not simply a surveillance tool, but an integrated system that can make a significant contribution to carrying out a mission,” she said.
She described FPV systems as the most demanding part of her training.
“At first, the level of difficulty seems high, but with continuous practice and proper training, operating the system gradually becomes natural,” she said.
A 24-year-old trainee highlighted the responsibility military drone operators carry.
“Friendly forces rely on the information and support we provide so they can successfully complete their own mission,” he said.
He added that years of playing video games and using consoles helped him develop reflexes and hand-eye coordination that proved useful during training.
Drone Technology Reshapes Military Operations
UAS technology provides one of the clearest examples of how rapidly modern military operations are changing.
“Almost every two months, we see significant changes on the modern battlefield,” instructor Staff Sergeant K.M. said, referring to advances in drones and counter-drone technology.
Modern UAS platforms support reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting and can directly influence the development of military operations.
The rapid pace of technological change has also made continuous training essential.
“As with every skill, constant practice is required,” the IANOS director said. “We plan for operators to maintain continuous contact with the field and constantly improve their abilities.”
The Greek Army’s expanding focus on UAS training reflects a broader shift towards a technology-driven model of operational preparation. Drones no longer represent simply another military tool. They are changing how armed forces plan, understand and conduct modern operations.