Unmanned Systems and Counter-Unmanned Systems – namely anti-drone technologies – are an integral part of the Armed Forces’ new operational doctrine. The new Unmanned Systems Manufacturing Facility will transform an initial capability into industrial-scale production. It is the first major industrial installation of the Greek Armed Forces dedicated exclusively to the production of unmanned systems. The 309th Unmanned Systems Factory represents a major leap forward for the Armed Forces,” Defence Minister Nikos Dendias stated on Friday, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the 309th Unmanned Systems Manufacturing Facility in Malakasa, Attica. The minister was accompanied by the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS), General Dimitrios Choupis.

Also present at the ceremony were the Chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff, Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis; the Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras; the Deputy Chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff, Lieutenant General Vasileios Broumas, representing the Chief of the Air Force General Staff; and senior officers from all three branches of the Armed Forces.

“Agenda 2030 is a comprehensive architecture for the defence of our homeland,” Dendias said, adding: “It is based on a specific plan, the ‘Achilles Shield’, which extends across the sea, land, air, and now also cyberspace and space. It is founded on a core principle: changing everything as we knew it. Today’s ceremony symbolises exactly that.”

He explained that unmanned systems and counter-drone systems are now a fundamental element of modern military operations. “Autonomous systems in the air, at sea and on land are now an organic component of the contemporary operational environment across the full spectrum of missions,” he said.

According to Dendias, unmanned systems are used for “surveillance, reconnaissance, infrastructure protection, countering asymmetric threats, data transmission and, consequently, the precise engagement of targets”.

He stressed that Greece, “a country that has faced threats and continues to face active threats against it, cannot afford to passively observe developments. We must participate – and not merely as buyers and users of systems, regardless of how proficient we may be.

We must participate as a country that produces, designs and develops. One of the clearly stated objectives of Agenda 2030 is the creation of domestic production capabilities, particularly in this critical sector for deterrence and operational autonomy,” he explained.

“Today,” he continued, “we are taking a major step forward – indeed, I would say a leap. This new Unmanned Systems Manufacturing Facility will elevate an initial capability into industrial-scale production. It is the first major industrial installation of the Greek Armed Forces dedicated entirely to the manufacture of unmanned systems: the 309th Unmanned Systems Factory.”