The “Archytas” program for the first Greek drone is in its final phase

The final design of an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone – UAV) system is nearing completion, through the “Archytas” program, according to Minister of Finance Christos Staikouras.

It is worth noting that the implementation of the “Archytas” program began on September 1, 2021.

As it follows from what Mr. Staikouras mentions, the Ministry of Finance has decided “to finance the design of a second, more complex unmanned aerial vehicle”, with the relevant announcements expected to follow in early 2023

According to the quarterly report of the authorities, “this national effort is progressing with almost absolute consistency to the planning”, said Mr. Staikouras.

In particular, in the past quarter, test flights of the scaled aircraft were successfully carried out, both in the conventional way and in the vertical take-off and landing mode, and thus its final, detailed design is nearing completion.

Beyond that, Mr. Staikouras notes that after the completion of its construction, there will be test flights, checks, certifications, costings of alternative types of vehicles and acceptance by EAB of orders for the manufacture of aircraft from users.

Fin. Min. Staikouras: Experimental flights of Greek drone Archytas in mid-October

The Finance Minister’s full statement:

“About 2 years ago, an effort was started to form a collaboration between the Ministry of Finance, the Hellenic Aviation Industry (EAB), the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the Democritus University of Thrace and the University of Thessaly.

The aim is for the wider public sector to become a designer and producer of drone systems.

During the period until today, with funding from the Ministry of Finance, the “Archytas” program has been structured.

The program aims at the design and industrial production of an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone – UAV) system of multiple uses and types.

The implementation of the “Archytas” program began on September 1, 2021.

According to the quarterly report of the authorities, this national effort is progressing with almost absolute consistency to the planning.

In particular, in the past quarter, test flights of the scaled aircraft were successfully carried out, both in the conventional way and in the vertical take-off and landing mode, and thus its final, detailed design is nearing completion.

At the same time, at the Hellenic Aerospace Industry-HAI:

a. Supplies of necessary materials and devices continue.

b. The construction of the special area and the industrial production line is progressing.

c. The construction of the designed molds begins. In the quarter that started (until the end of February 2023) their construction will be completed and towards the end of it the construction of the prototype vehicle will begin.

After the completion of its construction, there will be test flights, checks, certifications, costing of alternative types of vehicles and taking over by HAI orders for the manufacture of aircraft from users.

Thus, we consider that we can now call on Greek entrepreneurship, which produces or wishes to produce the necessary materials and devices for aircraft, with international competitiveness in terms of quality and prices, to coordinate its action with the HAI.

Therefore, our firm political will, the consistent course of work, the reliability, effectiveness and efficiency of those involved, formed the basis for the Ministry of Finance to decide to finance the design of a second, more complex unmanned aerial vehicle. Related announcements will follow in early 2023.

Therefore, the developments in this crucial field show that the Greeks both want and can make our homeland stronger in all aspects”.