By Vasilis Nedos
Greece and the Republic of Cyprus are expected to move forward in the coming period with a joint program under the EU’s SAFE initiative for the co-production of an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).
The development comes alongside yesterday’s announcement by Greek defense technology company Altus-LSA, based in Chania, which confirmed the successful completion of live-fire tests of its UCAV, code-named "Kerveros." The system was developed at the Crete Firing Range, which appears to be among the projects being considered for EU funding.
The tests were carried out in cooperation with multinational missile and defense systems company MBDA. During the trials, the UCAV successfully launched anti-tank missiles, specifically MBDA’s Akeron MP, a fifth-generation weapon system of its kind.
In practice, “Kerveros” is the commercial name given to Altus’ heavy-duty Atlas 8 octocopter equipped with the Akeron MP missile system.
Testing the limits of the combat drone
According to the company, the live-fire trials at the Crete Firing Range tested the full operational capabilities of the platform, including its flight system, electro-optical sensors, fire-control system, and weapons payload under real battlefield conditions.
The drone had also been tested last year during the “Aisios Oionos ’25” military exercise, when the Greek Armed Forces, in cooperation with the Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation (ELKAK), carried out the first open evaluation of various types of unmanned systems from companies that believed they had ready-to-use products.
Following that exercise, contracts were signed with several companies for the possible further development of their systems, including the specific UCAV.
Just a few weeks ago, in early June, another similar exercise, “Dourios Ippos '26," was held, during which several unmanned platforms were tested, this time including systems operating in a maritime environment.
Defence innovation begins to take shape
The early signs of progress in developing locally produced defense systems suggest that some of the initiatives launched to create and strengthen Greece’s domestic defense technology ecosystem are beginning to deliver results, although further development is still needed.
The year 2026 is considered particularly important for the next stage of growth, as several projects beyond the field of unmanned systems are expected to reach a more mature stage.
ELKAK continues its efforts to connect start-up companies with the Armed Forces and their operational needs.
Its latest initiative was the “Ask the Expert” program, supported by the Greek General Staff of National Defence (GEETHA). Through the initiative, representatives of emerging companies with no previous experience working with military organizations had the opportunity to better understand the challenges facing the armed forces, as well as the needs and requirements of modern defense operations.
