The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias attended the final phase of the Tactical Field Exercise “Tactical Use of UAV and Anti-UAV Systems” & “Aisios Oionos (Fortuitous Omen) 2025”, on Friday 14 November 2025, at the “Aetos” Firing and Exercise Range, in Evros.
The Tactical Field Exercise was conducted in two phases. The first one was focused on the tactical utilisation of UAV and Anti-UAV Systems, while at the same time examining special scenarios of operational utilisation of the new assets and their utilisation and countering methods respectively. Also, new tactics were tested, the model of their incorporation into organisational structures of the Army’s Units was examined, as well as the procedures of enacting Command and Control procedures thereon.
The second phase of the Tactical Field Exercise concerned the main part of the Field Exercise “AISIOS OIONOS-25” and showcased the Units’ high level of operational readiness. At this phase, innovative technologies were utilised, such as striking targets with First Person View and grenade dropping.
A tour of the static exhibition of weapon systems and assets, in the framework of which the representatives of Greek companies had the opportunity to brief Mr Dendias on innovative defence systems, which utilise cutting-edge technologies.
It is pointed out that in order to conduct the Tactical Field Exercise, HNDGS made an invitation to the Greek innovation ecosystem, which was keen to respond, with 30 companies participating. The participating companies had the opportunity of testing their product in realistic scenarios, in real conditions and an operational environment.
Upon completion of the exercise “Aisios Oionos 2025”, the Minister of National Defence made the following address:
“Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great joy and a great honour for me to be here at “AETOS” Range of the XII Mechanised Division, in Alexandroupolis, where I observed the Tactical Field Exercise “AISIOS OIONOS-25”.
I would like to say that I was particularly and greatly overjoyed, concerning the Tactical Utilisation of UAV Systems for the first time at this extent by the Hellenic Armed Forces. That is, their complete incorporation into our Defence Doctrine, and the capability of the Hellenic Armed Forces to utilise modern assets of offense – defence.
Furthermore, my joy is even greater, since systems have been tested, which have been developed by the cooperation of the Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation, created more than a year ago, and HNDGS/F Branch, the Innovation Branch, alongside the domestic, Greek Defence Ecosystem, and tested here for the first time, in our Country, drones in a tactical exercise, as well as tactical anti-drones.
You have now seen with your own eyes, that drones and anti-drone systems are an organic component of the operational capabilities of the Hellenic Armed Forces. An important force and capability multiplier, a clear proof of how the Hellenic Armed Forces are now in the 21st Century’s operational environment fielding considerable capabilities.
I repeat that it is crucial to note that what we saw today demonstrates that the transition is not solely a theoretical one. There are tangible results.
Greek society had the opportunity to see many of these systems at the parade on the 28th of October, in Thessaloniki. However, it is different seeing them at a parade, and seeing them operating in real conditions.
Also, I would like to remind you that the 306 Telecommunications Base Factory has already been established. I visited it a few days ago. There, the Hellenic Armed Forces have acquired the capability of producing drones themselves, also, with portable Factories – we have one here today – to follow Combat units, and produce extra drones in situ, on the battlefield. As they also have the opportunity of transforming the software of said drones in situ. As you can understand, these capabilities are such, that, if we were told that they would exist a few years back, we would not have believed it.
However, of course, we will not stop there. A productive facility equivalent to 306 is being established at the 316 Area Workshop in Xanthi, so that this ability, through its diffusion, will become an element of operational planning in all of our Supreme Commands, with a capital importance for the Supreme Military Command of Thrace.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I think that we have to dwell on what we witnessed here today.
37 Greek companies, many of which are start-ups, exhibited their products in a real field exercise of their Armed Forces. Another novel approach.
They gained capabilities, alongside the Hellenic Armed Forces, of evaluating the worth of these products, and their capacity for being incorporated in the Hellenic Armed Forces.
An absolutely modern method, albeit utilised here, in Greece, for the first time.
The message of today’s event is clear. Our Country, our Armed Forces have entered the Modern Age. Not only on the right foot – as goes the saying – but on both feet, and with a steady pace, with stability, in order to continue offering to the Greek society, the Greek people – specifically, as we stand here, in Thrace, near Alexandroupolis, Evros, what is perhaps necessary more than elsewhere – the feeling of safety.
The opportunity for all Greeks to continue living their life with the feeling of safety which their country’s Armed Forces provide.
I would like to cordially congratulate all participants in this exercise.
An Exercise – I repeat – which demonstrates, as clearly as possible, that the Hellenic Armed Forces have entered the Modern Era for good.
Thank you very much”.
Addressing the personnel which participated in the Tactical Field Exercise Mr Dendias pointed out:
“It was – as I mentioned previously – a completely different approach. It is obvious we have at least incorporated new technologies at this level. Of course, we will reach new depths with extra force, but I congratulate you.
It was an excellent exercise, both for us and our visitors, who had the opportunity to attend it, and the foreign Defence Attachés. I think it was an excellent day. Well done, you have my congratulations! May you always be in good health!”
On behalf of the military leadership, the Tactical Field Exercise was also attended by the Chief/HNDGS, General Dimitrios Choupis, the Chief/HAGS, Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, the Chief/HNGS, Vice Admiral Dimitrios- Eleftherios Kataras HN, and the Chief/HAFGS, Lieutenant General (HAF) Dimosthenis Grigoriadis.
The Tactical Field Exercise was also attended by the MP Anastasios Dimoschakis, the Deputy Head of Region for Evros Evangelos Poulilios, the Commanding General of the Supreme Military Command of Thrace, Lieutenant General Panagiotis Kavidopoulos, the Protopresbyter father Konstantinos Kotsakis as representative of His Eminence the Metropolitan of Alexadroupolis Mr Anthimos, Honorary Chiefs of General Staffs, General and Senior officers of the Armed Forces, representatives of Security Forces, and foreign Defence Attachés.
