March 25th: Magnificent military parade in Athens – The new weapons systems that were showcased

With full formality once again this year, the National Anniversary of March 25, 1821 was honored, with the grand military parade that began at 11:00 in the morning in Athens, in the presence of the President of the Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas and the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, as well as the political and military leadership.

Units of the Armed Forces and Security Forces paraded in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square, while a large crowd of citizens watched their impressive presence, also in the presence of the President of the Hellenic Republic.

The celebrations in Athens began early in the morning with 21 cannon shots from Lycabettus Hill, followed by the official raising of the Greek flag at the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis.

At 10:00, the official doxology was held at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, officiated by the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos, in the presence of the President of the Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas and the political and military leadership.

Shortly before the parade began, Apache military helicopters, Rafale fighter jets and Mirage 2000-5 aircraft took off to fly over the sky of Athens.

Among others, marching units of the Armed Forces and Security Forces, units of military academies, and of course the Evzones corps participated. However, the highlight of the show was the innovative technological weapons systems presented this year, clearly reflecting the transition of our country’s Armed Forces into a new era.

New philosophy

The new philosophy of the Armed Forces is based on the reform known as “Agenda 2030” as well as the new Deterrence Doctrine. As the Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias has pointed out, “with Agenda 2030 as a roadmap for deep reform, the new Force Structure, the twelve-year Long-Term Defence Armaments Planning, and the introduction of cutting-edge technologies, we are building the strongest and most modern Armed Forces in the history of modern Greece.”

A central pillar of the new strategic approach is the development of a domestic defense innovation ecosystem and cutting-edge technologies, as well as the integration of modern weapons systems that enhance the country’s deterrent power.

In particular, for the first time all personnel paraded wearing the new “Modern Fighter” uniform, which incorporates modern specifications and provides protection, flexibility and firepower. Moreover, as Minister Nikos Dendias has repeatedly emphasized, “modern Armed Forces cannot exist without modern fighters.”

The new weapons systems presented

A range of modern weapons systems that upgrade the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces were showcased during the parade. Among them stands out the anti-drone system “Centaur”, the first product of cooperation between the Hellenic Center for Defence Innovation (ELKAK) and the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB), which has already been installed on Naval units operating in the Red Sea and Cyprus.

The presence of innovation systems in today’s parade is not merely a display of new technologies but reflects the strategic transition of the Hellenic Armed Forces to a new operational model, based on technological superiority, adaptation to modern requirements, and the strengthening of national deterrent power.

More specifically, the following were presented:

• Electronic surveillance systems on M1117 wheeled vehicle: American-origin armored reconnaissance vehicles recently integrated into the Hellenic Army. These vehicles carry electronic sensors designed and manufactured exclusively by the Army’s 306 Base Factory. They feature high-resolution cameras and drone systems. They function as autonomous surveillance systems capable of transmitting real-time imagery to Operations Centers.
• Seahake – 4: A heavy-type German-made torpedo designed to be launched from submarines. Manufactured by ATLAS Elektronik, it is one of the most modern anti-submarine warfare weapons. It uses an advanced fiber-optic guidance system, allowing the submarine to maintain control and update targeting data throughout its course. Designed for both deep and shallow waters, it offers increased resistance to interference and countermeasures.
• Aster 30: A long-range surface-to-air guided missile designed to counter all types of modern aerial threats: aircraft, guided missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Manufactured by the Eurosam consortium, involving French and Italian companies. It features an advanced guidance system enabling interception of threats at long distances with high precision, making it a key pillar of modern air and missile defense.
  “Centaur” system: An anti-drone system capable of detecting and neutralizing hostile drones through electronic jamming. It is the result of cooperation between ELKAK and EAB and is already installed on Navy frigates operating in the Red Sea under Operation “Aspides”, with excellent results.
• “Hyperion” system: A drone detection and neutralization system, an evolution of “Centaur”, currently in advanced testing stages by EAB. It can automatically detect and neutralize attacking drones via jamming, providing 360-degree coverage.
  S-100 unmanned aircraft: A state-of-the-art drone included in the equipment of the new Belharra frigates. It can detect, identify, and accurately target potential threats at distances up to 100 kilometers without operator intervention.
• “Archytas” UAV system: A product of collaboration between the Hellenic Naval Academy, the School of Electrical Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens, and private sector companies. It has vertical take-off and landing capability, enabling operation from both land and warships. Its maximum altitude reaches 5,000 meters and endurance up to two hours. It performs reconnaissance and surveillance missions and is already used in Naval exercises and operations.
• “A900” unmanned aerial vehicles: Unmanned helicopter used by Navy ships. Equipped with advanced electro-optical systems, it provides live, clear imaging of the surface up to 30 kilometers.
• “Rotinor” underwater scooter: A diver propulsion vehicle used in special diving missions. Used by special forces for stealthy, silent, and rapid infiltration.
  EOD Engineer Robot: General-purpose vehicles equipped with three robotic systems for neutralizing improvised explosive devices, enabling remote bomb disposal without personnel exposure.
• “V-BAT” UAV systems: Among the few drone systems worldwide with vertical take-off/landing capability, enhancing operational flexibility. With long endurance and range up to 200 kilometers, they conduct surveillance, reconnaissance, targeting, and search-and-rescue missions.
• Mobile drone production unit: Autonomous units for manufacturing UAVs, built by the Army’s 306 Technical Base Factory. Equipped with modern equipment and 3D printing devices, they can produce spare parts and up to 1,000 FPV drones annually directly on the battlefield.
• Tactical Command and Control Station: A mobile Command and Control center equipped with modern communications and digital applications, providing real-time battlefield awareness.
• “Metoikos” transportable communications station: An autonomous and flexible communications hub designed and assembled by the Air Force’s Telecommunications and Electronics Factory (ETHM), capable of restoring or enhancing communications in any environment and conditions.
• “Deucalion” tactical station for natural disaster response: A mobile operational center designed to coordinate responses to natural and technological disasters. Equipped with advanced telecommunications systems, UAVs, and thermal and optical cameras, it supports coordination between land, sea, and air assets of the Armed Forces and civil protection.

Aircraft flights over Athens for the parade of the national anniversary of March 25, 1821