Greece’s first domestically developed unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), built by drone manufacturer ALTUS-LSA in partnership with European missile maker MBDA, is entering the final phase ahead of live-fire testing.
The trials are scheduled to take place by the end of 2026, after which the company plans to launch the KERVEROS UCAV commercially in both the domestic and international markets. ALTUS-LSA said it has already sold four KERVEROS systems to undisclosed customers.
The company recently completed a key milestone with the successful live-fire testing of KERVEROS at the Crete Firing Range in cooperation with MBDA, demonstrating what it described as the operational maturity of Greece’s first UCAV equipped with anti-tank missiles. The achievement marks the system’s transition toward operational readiness and paves the way for its commercial deployment.
“The successful KERVEROS firing tests validate our team’s expertise and consistency,” ALTUS-LSA Chief Executive Zacharias Sarris said. “Working together with MBDA, we have developed a fully integrated UCAV that meets modern operational requirements. We remain committed to the next stage of the system’s development.”
Developed through a strategic partnership with MBDA, KERVEROS combines ALTUS-LSA’s heavy-lift ATLAS 8 octocopter platform with the AKERON MP anti-tank guided missile, one of the world’s most advanced fifth-generation missile systems.
The recent firing trials validated the performance of the platform, flight systems, electro-optical sensors, fire-control system and weapons payload under operational conditions. The programme is the result of several years of research and development and a series of operational evaluations, from the system’s maiden flights in 2023 to its participation in the Greek Army’s “Aisios Oionos-25” exercise in the Evros region.
Developing its technology at facilities in Chania, Crete, ALTUS-LSA says it has established the capability to design, develop and manufacture complete high-precision unmanned systems for European and international defence markets.
The company was recently ranked among the world’s top 100 UAV manufacturers, placing 80th in the annual list compiled by U.S.-based The Defense Post, becoming the first Greek company to be included in the ranking.
ALTUS-LSA employs around 60 people, operates production facilities in Chania and an office in Athens, and designs, develops and manufactures unmanned aerial systems, including ground control stations and mission software.
Earlier this year, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with France’s Naval Group to integrate its ATLAS 8 UAV system into the French shipbuilder’s naval platforms.
In July 2025, ALTUS-LSA also participated with the ATLAS 8 in the European Defence Agency’s Operational Experimentation (EU OPEX) programme in Italy, expanding export opportunities for its unmanned systems.
The company’s drone systems have been deployed in missions by Frontex, NATO, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), the Greek Armed Forces, Greek security services, the Fire Service, the Cyprus Police and other public-sector organisations in Greece and abroad.
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