Greece conducts its first military drill in Thrace combining drones and anti-drone systems, marking a new era in defense innovation and warfare training.
Greece is holding its first-ever military exercise that integrates drones and anti-drone technologies, signaling a new phase in modern defense readiness. The large-scale exercise, code-named “Aisios Oionos 25” is being conducted in Thrace, near Xanthi, with the participation of multiple branches of the Hellenic Armed Forces.
This marks the first time that Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and anti-drone systems are used together in a unified operational environment. Mechanized units, armored vehicles, helicopters, fighter jets, and special forces are also participating, highlighting Greece’s commitment to technological adaptation and joint-force cooperation.
Among the systems showcased are the Centaurus anti-drone system, the Hyperion detection and neutralization system, and the S-100 UAV — all designed to strengthen aerial situational awareness and defense against unmanned threats.
The exercise also underscores Greece’s growing domestic defense innovation ecosystem. The Hellenic Center for Defense Innovation (ELKAK) and the Innovation Directorate of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS) are leading the integration of locally developed technologies into military operations, aiming to boost defense autonomy and national industrial capacity.
The Thrace exercise represents a milestone in the modernization of Greece’s defense forces, aligning with global trends that emphasize UAV warfare, electronic defense systems, and rapid innovation on the battlefield.