The Greek Army aims to increase its equipment with modern warfare technologies French Saffron company Produced by Patroller Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) It is expanding its fleet with. Having successfully completed its first test flight, the Patroller UAV is planned to be delivered to the Hellenic Armed Forces in 2024.
General Features of Patroller UAV
The Patroller UAV was developed in accordance with modern warfare conditions and is designed to successfully perform both land and sea surveillance missions. This system developed by Safran is customized for use in intelligence gathering, target detection and electronic warfare missions.
Technical Specifications
- Flight time: 20 hours
- Maximum External Load Capacity: 150 kilogram
- Equipment:
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): Ideal for moving target detection (MTI).
- Euroflir 410 EO/IR Pod: High resolution electro-optical and infrared imaging.
- COMINT Sensors: Gathering communication intelligence.
- Pico Radar (Leonardo): SAR AESA class radar technology.
- Take-off and Landing Features: Ability to operate on short runways with minimum infrastructure.
- Modular Structure: Thanks to its open architecture design, it can be customized for different tasks.
NATO Compatibility
Patroller UAV in February 2023 NATO airworthiness standard STANAG 4671 It became the first tactical unmanned aerial vehicle system to receive certification.
Greece's Procurement Plan and Strategic Use
The Hellenic Armed Forces are currently Sagem Sperwer UAV to modernize their systems and replace them with a new system 4+4 Patroller UAVs plans to supply. The total cost of the project Under 20 million Euros It is stated that.
Strategic Usage Areas
- Thrace and Aegean Missions:
- Intelligence gathering and targeting.
- Border surveillance and monitoring of maritime activities.
- Electronic Warfare Capability:
- Use in electronic warfare missions with external pods.
- Maritime Surveillance:
- Long-range detection with multi-mode surveillance radars.
- Unity Protection:
- Operations to increase the security of military units in the field.
The Experience of the French Army and the Patroller System
The French Army in 2016 Tactical UAV System (SDT) In line with its requirements, Patroller UAV was preferred. In 2018-2019, the French Army received a total of 14 systems consisting of 5 UAVs and 3 ground control stations Safran had signed a contract worth $341.7 million for these deliveries.
Maritime Surveillance Capability
The Patroller UAV is equipped with multi-mode surveillance radars that can cover a wide area, especially to monitor maritime activities. These radars can perform critical intelligence gathering tasks in both peacetime and conflict situations.
Greece's Security Policies and Patrols UAV
Greece's Patroller UAV procurement is the country's military modernization goals and is an important step towards the strategy of compliance with NATO standards. Efforts to increase border security and develop intelligence capacity, especially in the Thrace and Aegean regions, make this investment even more meaningful.
Potential Future Use
- Border Security: Close monitoring of land and sea borders with Türkiye.
- NATO Operations: Contribution to joint intelligence and surveillance missions within the framework of NATO.
- Disaster Management: Surveillance and relief operations in civilian missions and natural disasters.
The Patroller UAV will not only be a modern surveillance tool for the Hellenic Armed Forces, but also a strategic force multiplier in international operations. This system developed by Safran draws attention with both its technological superiority and modular structure. This investment by Greece will be an important element shaping security policies in the Aegean and Thrace regions.
