The Hellenic Armed Forces conducted a comprehensive Practice Fire Maneuver Exercise (TAMS) enriched with a multinational scenario at the firing and exercise range in the Petrohori region of Thrace. Conducted within the framework of NATO’s IMMEDIATE RESPONSE 25 exercise, this exercise tested a wide range of capabilities from defensive scenarios of armored units to airborne operations, while simulations of firing laser-guided munitions with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) also attracted attention.
Testing of New Technologies in the Exercise
In the final phase of the exercise, defensive scenarios of armored units were implemented with the support of attack helicopters. Then, counter-attack and airborne operations were carried out, while the capabilities of UAVs, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) scenarios and operational capabilities in urban warfare environments were tested. Soldiers from different units and F-16 fighter jets of the Hellenic Air Force also participated in the exercise.
According to the news by Defence Review, one of the innovative technologies tested in the exercise was, SARISA SRS-2A named UAV Laser-guided FZ275 LGR (1 mm) rocket firing simulation with RL275-70S launcher configuration The company that developed the UAV in question also introduced a loitering munition called “Ahmi” and a new UAV called ARES ARS-1A. These developments demonstrate Greece’s efforts to develop its capabilities in unmanned systems and precision-guided munitions.
Strengthening Collaboration Between MBDA and Greek Industry
Greece is accelerating its work to integrate ammunition into locally developed UAVs. In this context, the Greek defense company HIGHS, developed at the international defense fair Euronaval 2024 Atlas-8H “Kérberos” UAV with MBDA-made Akeron-MP anti-tank missile It was stated that this heavy-class UAV, which can carry a payload of up to 50 kg, can be customized for both ammunition carrying and attack missions. While the electric model of the Atlas-8 reached a range of 30 km and an altitude of 16.400 feet, the hybrid version attracted attention with its range of 100 km and 3-4 hours of endurance in the air.
In addition, the French MBDA announced that it signed two separate memorandums of understanding with ALTUS and MILTECH companies within the scope of the “R&D Booster” initiative on February 6, 2025. These agreements are within the framework of the Greece-France defense cooperation signed in 2021, Development of Akeron-MP integrated systems with the Greek defense industry infrastructure covered.
Within the scope of cooperation MILTECH, is developing a launch system for the Akeron-MP. HIGHS is working with MBDA on tactical-class UAVs equipped with Akeron-MP. In the first phase, Integration and certification of Akeron missile on ATLAS-8 Heavy Lifter UAV These partnerships strengthen Greece's defense industry ecosystem and enable it to take important steps in the production and integration of advanced weapon systems with local capabilities.
