Cyprus and Greece plan joint unmanned combat aircraft programme under EU SAFE framework

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus and Greece are preparing a joint programme to develop and co-produce an unmanned combat aerial vehicle under the European Union’s SAFE defence funding framework.

The initiative is intended to strengthen defence technology capabilities through bilateral cooperation and participation in the EU programme.

EU funding framework

According to Kathimerini, the SAFE framework provides financing for defence industry projects involving European Union member states.

The Cyprus-Greece programme would be developed within this funding framework.

Drone missile tests

The development follows Greek defence technology company ALTUS-LSA’s announcement of successful live-fire tests of its Kerveros unmanned combat aircraft in cooperation with European defence company MBDA.

The trials were conducted in Chania, Crete, where the system successfully launched MBDA’s Akeron MP anti-tank missile.

Kerveros platform

Kerveros, named after Cerberus, the hound of Hades in ancient Greek mythology, is based on ALTUS-LSA’s ATLAS 8 drone platform, which is also equipped with missile capabilities.