Greece will conduct four rolling operational training periods in 2026 to test unmanned systems developed by domestic companies, the Hellenic Center for Defense Innovation (HCDI) said.
The initiative, drawing on experience from systems used during the final phase of the interservice exercise “Parmenion,” formally establishes field testing of new technologies under near-real operational conditions.
The first trial is scheduled for May-June during Hellenic Navy exercises and will focus on enhancing naval survivability in environments facing threats above and below the sea surface, HCDI said.
A second trial in June, coordinated by the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, will involve all service branches and the Special Warfare Command. It will centre exclusively on unmanned platforms — including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) — in offensive and defensive operations under electronic warfare conditions.
A third test in October-November will again involve the navy on a smaller scale, with emphasis on unmanned systems. A fourth exercise in November, during drills by the Hellenic Army, will prioritise support to land forces using unmanned and autonomous systems.
For each exercise, HCDI will issue a request for information outlining participation criteria and will determine eligible companies. Participation will not be capped, and any company meeting the requirements may take part.
Companies must present products with high technological maturity, defined as Technology Readiness Level 7 or higher. According to HCDI, the scenarios will allow for gradual adaptation and upgrading of systems tested in the field, with targeted mentoring to align capabilities with the armed forces’ operational needs.
Unlike previous static demonstrations focused on marketing, the exercises will require systems to be integrated into branch or joint operational plans toward defined objectives.
The programme aims to evaluate mature products “in an operational environment with emphasis on cutting-edge technologies,” while assessing immediate defence requirements and strengthening supply security for critical systems, HCDI said.