GREEK REPORTER - Greece Conducts First Military Drill Using Domestically Built Combat Drones - By John Koutroumpis November 15, 2025

 GREEK  REPORTER  

Greece Conducts First Military Drill Using Domestically Built Combat Drones

By  John Koutroumpis

November 15, 2025

Greece conducts first major exercise using combat drones. Credit: Greek Ministry of Defense

Greece completed on Friday a major joint-force military exercise in Thrace, marking its first large-scale drill that used domestically developed drones. The national medium-scale exercise, “Aisios Oionos – 25,” trained forces to conduct modern joint operations and brought in private Greek companies that presented new and innovative defense systems.

The goal is to train staffs and troops in conducting joint operations (defensive and offensive) under modern warfare conditions, with the participation of private companies with innovative systems.

A photo of an Orbiter UAV used in the military exercise. Credit: Greek Ministry of National Defense

Phase One: Counter-UAV tactics and integration

During the first phase, the Army focused on both the use and the countering of unmanned aerial systems. Through realistic scenarios, units practiced new tactics and refined their response methods.

They also explored how these drones fit into the structure of ground forces. Moreover, leadership teams reviewed command-and-control procedures to ensure that all parts of the force act together.

Phase Two: Greece highlights readiness and drones  capabilities

In the second phase, forces demonstrated their readiness through advanced drone-based actions.

They carried out First Person View (FPV) drone strikes and airborne grenade drops, actions that now define many modern conflicts.

As a result, the exercise offered a clear and practical picture of how small drones shape real combat.

A total of 30 Greek innovation companies joined the drill. They used the event to test their systems in field conditions that closely matched real operations.

Scene from the military exercise. Credit: Greek Ministry of Defense

Advanced systems and local innovation

The exercise also featured the Spike NLOS (Non Line of Sight) precision-strike missile, which can hit targets up to 32 kilometers (19,8 miles) away. Supporting it, the ORBITER UAV identified targets as far as 50 kilometers (31 miles) and sent real-time data back to operators.

In addition, the unit working with these systems brought 3D-printing tools to produce spare parts on site. It can build up to 1,000 FPV drones each year.

Meanwhile, KETAK (Center for Research, Technological Development, and Innovation) and the 306 Base Technical Plant presented further systems, including a mobile drone production unit that can support units in the field.

Greek Defense Minister: “Greece enters a new drones era”

After the drill, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias stated that Greece’s Armed Forces have “entered a new era” with confidence and stability.

He spoke from Thrace, near Alexandroupoli and the Evros region, and stressed that strong defense capabilities are especially important for communities in this area.

«Αίσιος Οιωνός 2025»: Παρουσία Δένδια ολοκληρώθηκε η μεγάλη άσκηση των Ενόπλων Δυνάμεων στον Έβρο