Greece boosts ISR capabilities with French-made Patroller UAV deployment
Safran Patroller UAV (Courtesy of EDR Magazine)
Greece has introduced the French-made Patroller UAV for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in Thrace and the Aegean Sea, with the first test flight conducted last week, according to Turdef.
Key details
- System introduction: Greece’s Hellenic Army plans to deploy the Patroller UAV to replace its aging SAGEM Sperwer UAV system by 2025.
- Cost, procurement: The program, valued at under €20 million for four UAVs, is being coordinated by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) in collaboration with Safran, the UAV’s manufacturer.
Technical specifications of Patroller UAV
- Performance:
- Operational endurance of up to 14 hours.
- Maximum altitude of 20,000 feet (6,000 meters).
- Speed range of 100-200 km/h, depending on the mission.
- Payload, features:
- Maximum payload of 210 kilograms (462.9 pounds), with an optional Euroflir 410 EO/IR pod and additional sensors (COMINT, ELINT, synthetic imaging radar or surface surveillance radar).
- Equipped with a picoSAR AESA radar for enhanced surveillance capabilities.
- Satellite communications enable data transfer over distances of up to 1,000 kilometers.
- Capabilities:
- Low acoustic and thermal signatures increase battlefield survival.
- Fully automated takeoff, landing, and navigation systems.
Mission scope
The Patroller UAV is designed to support external operations, homeland security and maritime surveillance.
Its modular configuration allows for adaptability to specific mission requirements, making it a versatile asset for the Hellenic Army.
The system’s advanced ISR capabilities and integration into Greece’s defense infrastructure mark a significant upgrade in the country’s ability to monitor critical regions, including Thrace and the Aegean Sea, amid ongoing regional security challenges.
