The parade began at 11:00 on Megalou Alexandrou Avenue, attended by President of the Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the country’s political and military leadership.
The new systems made their first appearance at the parade, attracting particular attention to Greece’s multilayered Achilles’ Shield air-defence initiative and technologies developed by the Hellenic Navy and the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI).
The displays highlighted the transformation of the Greek Armed Forces through modern technology, unmanned platforms, electronic warfare capabilities and advanced systems designed to detect and counter aerial and maritime threats.
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Defence Minister Nikos Dendias has linked the modernisation drive to the government’s Agenda 2030, which aims to strengthen Greece’s deterrence capabilities, introduce new technologies and develop the country’s domestic defence industry.
Dendias has also pointed to the new force structure, long-term defence procurement planning, cyber defence, autonomous systems, reserve-force strengthening and domestic innovation as key elements in building what he has described as the strongest Armed Forces in the history of the modern Greek state.
New air-defence and missile systems
Among the most prominent displays were the DRONE DOME command-and-control vehicle, the SPYDER and BARAK MX air-defence systems, and the STUNNER interceptor associated with the DAVID’S SLING system.
The DRONE DOME platform supports signals intelligence, image intelligence and counter-drone operations. Depending on its configuration, it can interfere with GPS signals and communications, image transmission and navigation systems used by hostile drones and other targets. Its cameras and radar displays also help operators build an electronic picture of the battlefield.
The SPYDER mobile, all-weather air-defence system features 360-degree radar coverage and an AESA radar designed to detect and track aerial threats. It uses DERBY and PYTHON missiles and can engage targets at short and medium ranges, according to the system specifications presented.
The BARAK MX system can deploy different interceptor missiles against a range of threats, including aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles. Its missiles use active guidance, with radar activation during the final stage of flight.
The parade also featured a missile resupply vehicle carrying STUNNER interceptors associated with DAVID’S SLING. The STUNNER uses a hit-to-kill mechanism, destroying its target through direct impact rather than a conventional explosive warhead. Its guidance system combines electro-optical and infrared sensors with radar.
Domestic drones and unmanned ground vehicles
Greece also presented several domestically developed unmanned systems designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, logistics and combat support.
The ANEMOGIANNIS unmanned surface vessel (USV), designed and built in Greece, can carry out maritime surveillance and attack missions against hostile naval targets. It uses electro-optical and infrared sensors, autonomous navigation and satellite and radio communications. The vessel can reach speeds of up to 75 km/h and carry a 50-kilogram warhead.
The ANTΕOS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) supports logistics, casualty evacuation, surveillance and reconnaissance. Its six-wheel design can carry a payload of up to 600 kilograms and operate for up to eight hours. It can also serve as a communications platform or weapons carrier.
The AGEMA is a fully amphibious unmanned ground vehicle designed for difficult terrain, including rivers, lakes, swamps and flooded areas. Its potential roles include search and rescue, cargo transport and route surveillance using thermal cameras, supported by artificial intelligence and advanced autonomous functions.
The domestically developed ARPYIA is a mini-cruise, one-way attack unmanned aerial system designed for precision missions. It can follow a programmed route autonomously and fly at low altitude, while its low radar signature makes detection more difficult.
The parade also featured a mobile drone-production unit capable of manufacturing first-person-view (FPV) drones in the field. The systems, developed by military technical units, can operate during both day and night.
Surveillance aircraft and battlefield intelligence
Several unmanned aircraft demonstrated Greece’s growing emphasis on real-time intelligence and surveillance.
The V-BAT is a vertical take-off and landing aircraft designed to provide operational forces with real-time intelligence. It can remain airborne for up to 12 hours and operate at distances exceeding 200 kilometres, supporting extended surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
The French-made PATROLLER unmanned aerial vehicle provides long-range surveillance, target recognition and intelligence-gathering capabilities. Its electro-optical and infrared sensors allow it to transmit information in real time and support operations across land and maritime areas.
The ARCHYTAS, developed through cooperation between the Hellenic Naval Academy, the National Technical University of Athens’ School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Greek private-sector companies, can take off and land vertically. It is designed for surveillance and reconnaissance missions from land bases and Navy vessels.
The Navy also presented the A-900 vertical take-off and landing unmanned aircraft, which can operate from fleet units or land bases and transmit a detailed surface picture in real time.
The Camcopter S-100, manufactured by Austria’s Schiebel, is expected to operate initially from the Navy’s new FDI-class frigates. Its capabilities include detecting threats and transmitting an over-the-horizon picture to command centres, supporting engagement decisions at extended ranges.
Electronic warfare and counter-drone systems
The M1117 electronic warfare vehicle has been adapted for electronic surveillance. It carries a high-performance infrared camera, a high-gain data antenna and a drone that extends its intelligence-gathering and reconnaissance range. Real-time battlefield information helps commanders make faster operational decisions.
Greece also displayed the KENTAVROS counter-drone system, developed through cooperation between the Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation and HAI. The system can detect and neutralise hostile unmanned aircraft and has undergone operational testing aboard Greek Navy frigates in the Red Sea as part of the European Union’s ASPIDES operation.
The HYPERION counter-drone system, which HAI is developing, has entered advanced testing. Designed for installation on ships or land bases, it aims to provide integrated detection and neutralisation of hostile drones.
The Navy’s wider unmanned operations also include surface and underwater platforms. These systems can work together with crewed assets and, in certain configurations, operate in coordinated groups to support maritime surveillance and offensive missions.
Artillery and armoured vehicles
The parade included the PULS multiple-launch rocket system, a modern rocket-artillery platform with a stated range of up to 300 kilometres. Its long-range strike capability and rapid deployment are intended to strengthen the Greek Armed Forces’ ability to engage targets at a distance.
The Stryker M1126 eight-wheeled armoured vehicle also appeared in the parade. Designed primarily to transport infantry, it can carry up to nine personnel and accommodate a remotely operated weapon station armed with a .50-calibre machine gun or a 40 mm Mk 19 grenade launcher. The related M1296 Dragoon variant carries a 30 mm cannon.
HMMWV Humvee vehicles equipped with drone operators demonstrated how the Armed Forces are integrating small unmanned aircraft into surveillance, reconnaissance and attack operations.
Naval unmanned vessels and underwater systems
The Hellenic Navy showcased several systems supporting its transition towards a fleet that combines crewed vessels with unmanned platforms.
The domestically designed PYRPOLITIS unmanned surface vessel, developed by the Navy, measures five metres and can reach speeds of up to 40 knots. It is designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, anti-surface warfare and one-way attack missions. Its equipment includes electro-optical systems, surface radar, communications and navigation sensors.
The Navy also presented the CORSAIR, an autonomous surface vessel developed by US company Saronic. It can operate autonomously or under human control and supports maritime surveillance, intelligence gathering and broader naval operations.
The VICTA special-operations craft combines the characteristics of a high-speed surface vessel and a submersible. It is designed to transport special forces covertly into hostile areas while limiting detection by radar and thermal cameras. It can carry a crew of two and six additional personnel, reach 40 knots on the surface and operate underwater at speeds of up to eight knots, with a stated diving depth of 30 metres.
For mine-countermeasure missions, the Navy displayed the Italian-made PLUTINO and PLUTO GIGAS underwater vehicles. PLUTINO is designed to locate and neutralise naval mines, particularly in shallow water. PLUTO GIGAS supports operations at greater depths and can use specialised explosive charges or cutting and trapping tools to disable submerged mines.
The display also included Seahake Mod 4 heavy torpedoes, manufactured in Germany by Atlas Elektronik. Designed for submarine launch, they use fibre-optic guidance to allow operators to update targeting information during their approach to a target.
The Navy’s ROTINOR dive scooters provide underwater demolition teams with a quiet, fast means of reaching operational areas. Their electric propulsion and underwater navigation systems support covert movement.
Communications and emergency-response equipment
The Armed Forces also presented mobile communications and command systems designed to support military operations and disaster response.
The AMPHIKTYON mobile base communications station, installed in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, can restore or extend communications in areas affected by natural or technological disasters. It provides connectivity for deployed personnel and affected residents when local infrastructure fails.
The DEFKALION mobile command centre supports the coordination of disaster-response operations. Built on a MAN 6×6 vehicle, it includes work and meeting rooms, modern radio communications, satellite connectivity and access to military data networks. It can communicate with land, sea and air assets and coordinate with civilian emergency services. Two drones and a thermal and optical observation camera provide live imagery to military command centres.
A mobile first-aid station was also displayed. The self-contained unit carries modern medical equipment and can deploy rapidly to provide emergency treatment and operational support to military units.
The METOIKOS communications system, designed and assembled by the Hellenic Air Force’s telecommunications and electronics facilities, provides a flexible communications hub. It supports satellite, microwave, 4G/5G LTE and wired IP links, and can operate independently for up to 13 hours using its onboard generator.
Together, the systems displayed in Thessaloniki underscored Greece’s drive to modernise its Armed Forces through advanced air defence, unmanned technologies, domestic defence production and more resilient battlefield communications.
(Source: AMNA)