Hellenic Aerospace Industry: One of the few companies worldwide with three Integrated anti-drone systems

Babis Papaspyros

In a world where asymmetric threats and unmanned aerial systems (UAVs or drones) have become central to modern warfare and security operations, only a handful of companies globally have succeeded in developing more than two fully integrated anti-drone systems. Among them, the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) stands out, not only for its technological competence but also for the depth of domestic expertise embedded in its solutions.

Such achievements are typically reserved for major defense giants.

The few companies that have managed to design at least three complete Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) are global players with decades of experience in defense. 

While firms like Blighter, Dedrone, DroneShield, Skylock, and Robin ELVIRA etc, have made notable contributions, most offer no more than two complete systems. In many cases, these rely on partnerships or integration of third-party technologies rather than in-house development and manufacturing.

“HAI today ranks among a small elite of global companies and possibly the only one in the EU that has designed and built three independent, fully integrated anti-drone systems, based entirely on Greek know-how,” and with virtually no external funding to date.

The Three Greek Anti-Drone Systems by HAI:

TELEMACHUS  

- Development began in 2017 with the first version of the FMCW/Doppler radar for detecting moving targets.  

- In its current configuration, it is a portable/stationary radar with an integrated camera and systems for detection, identification, and jamming of mini and micro UAVs.  

- Ideal for protecting critical systems-infrastructure and border surveillance.

CENTAUROS  

- Designed in 2023, this is a stationary or ship-mounted system with advanced RF detection and electronic neutralization capabilities.  

- Built on a modular architecture, it can engage multiple targets at long range.  

- Field-tested aboard Hellenic Navy frigates, it successfully detected and neutralized three Houthi drones in the Red Sea.  

- See the video at the end of the article how Hellenic Navy HS Psara intercepts Houthi drone attack in Gulf of Aden. The Greek frigate shoots down Houthi drone attacking cargo ship

HYPERION  

- The most recent of the three systems, ready for mass production.  

- A medium-power, medium-range solution for wide-area coverage.  

- Features integrated RF sensors and jamming systems.  

- Designed for tactical deployment and scalable defense.

All three systems were developed by HAI’s engineering team and meet operational requirements set by NATO and the European Union

Strategic Significance

The development of these anti-drone systems strengthens:

- Greece’s national technological self-sufficiency in defense and security  

- HAI’s export potential to countries seeking affordable and effective solutions  

- The operational autonomy of the Hellenic Armed Forces and security services

As drone threats multiply, from terrorist attacks to wars like those in Ukraine and Israel, Greek expertise in anti-drone defense gains strategic value. HAI has not only proven its ability to compete with major international firms but also demonstrated its potential to shape the future of European defense autonomy in countering the growing drone threat.

Read Reuters related article: Anti-drone system propels Greek plans for home-grown defence industry

P.S.  

Watch the mini drone detection at 0.5m altitude by TELEMACHUS 

and 

the Houthi drone interception by CENTAUROS aboard the frigate Psara.