New €24m cargo UAV tender signals push for independence in defence tech.
Credit: Shutterstock, Naypong Studio
Greece has officially joined the drone race – and it’s not just aiming for the skies, but for a future where “Made in Greece” means high-tech, high-flying, and homegrown.
In a move that could redefine its defence and disaster-response strategy, the Hellenic Center for Defense Innovation (HCDI) has launched a €24 million programme to develop a Greek-made unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with serious lift. Think less toy drone, more airborne mule – capable of carrying over 100 kilograms of supplies through stormy skies and into rugged, remote terrain.
Military muscle meets humanitarian help
According to HCDI, the new UAV will provide ‘rapid and precise delivery of supplies, especially in remote or inaccessible areas where conventional means are neither feasible nor efficient.’ That means fewer boots on the ground, and more boxes in the air – a potentially life-saving leap in both military operations and humanitarian relief.
But this isn’t just about delivery. The unmanned system will have to fly high – with a minimum ceiling of 3,000 feet and a target of reaching 12,000 – and handle some serious turbulence, operating in wind speeds over 20 knots. It’s also expected to feature sophisticated navigation, obstacle avoidance, and the ability to fend off jamming and cyberattacks.
The goal? A drone tough enough for combat zones but smart enough for tricky terrain – and all under Greek control.
A local take-off
Currently, surveillance missions over Greek territory rely heavily on Israeli-made Heron UAVs. But with this latest tender, Greece is looking to shift gears from buyer to builder.
This tender is no one-off either. It follows hot on the heels of a previous call to develop unmanned surface vessels (USVs), and comes alongside new initiatives like a surge limitation system to protect electrical grids and naval equipment from voltage spikes, and a fresh combat management system for naval gun platforms.
The message is clear: Greece wants to stop renting its defence future and start owning it.
Greece is not alone. There’s a growing regional interest in boosting domestic UAV capabilities across Europe. Ukraine and Latvia began discussions on joint drone manufacturing back in January. And in Germany, Airbus is even developing an unmanned fighter jet based on a cheap UAV tech.
Building the future, one drone at a time
These initiatives aren’t just about high-tech toys – they’re laying the foundation for a Greek and European defence industry with staying power. From the skies to the seas, and across the electric grid, Greece is sending a clear signal: it’s ready to innovate, manufacture, and defend on its own terms.
The days of foreign reliance may not be over, but if this new UAV gets off the ground, they’ll certainly be numbered.
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