Greece Plans First-Ever Homegrown Military Satellite with Advanced Radar Tech

In a bold step toward defense self-reliance, Greece is developing its first domestically-built military satellite, signaling a new era in its national security strategy. The project is spearheaded by the Hellenic Defense Innovation Center (ELKAK), a state-owned organization focused on modernizing Greece’s defense capabilities through indigenous innovation.

This new satellite will serve intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) roles and is required to use Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology — a powerful imaging system capable of capturing high-resolution images regardless of weather or lighting conditions. Unlike traditional optical imaging, SAR uses radar signals to generate images, making it particularly valuable for round-the-clock military observation, even through clouds or darkness.

The Greek government has allocated €25 million (approximately $28.8 million) to design, develop, and produce the satellite entirely within the country. The goal is to secure full sovereignty over vital space-based defense assets while also giving a boost to the local defense and tech industry.

“Space is now recognized as the fifth operational domain — alongside land, sea, air, and cyberspace,” said ELKAK CEO Pantelis Tzortzakis, underlining the strategic importance of this venture.

Alongside the ISR satellite, ELKAK has also launched separate initiatives to explore two other critical defense technologies: counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) and electronic warfare (EW) platforms.

Counter-Drone Technology

Greece’s planned counter-drone system aims to detect, track, and neutralize both individual drones and drone swarms. The requirement outlines a modular architecture, combining kinetic measures (like anti-drone guns or interceptors) and non-kinetic tools (such as jamming or microwave systems). The platform must also be compatible with multiple military systems, allowing smooth integration with existing defense infrastructure.

This move comes as drone threats continue to escalate globally, particularly in conflict zones where small UAVs are frequently used for surveillance and attack missions.

Advanced Electronic Warfare System

The electronic warfare platform Greece is seeking would perform electronic surveillance, and should be capable of detecting, tracking, and jamming enemy radar and communication systems. Importantly, the system must be AI-driven, allowing it to autonomously adapt to new or evolving threats. ELKAK specified that the system must also be modular and suitable for both fixed and mobile deployment, fully compatible with Greece’s C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) infrastructure.

These high-tech projects are part of a broader defense modernization plan unveiled by Athens in April 2025, aimed at enhancing the operational readiness and technological edge of its armed forces amid rising regional tensions.

By pursuing space capabilities and next-gen warfare technologies like AI-driven EW and counter-drone systems, Greece is clearly positioning itself to become more self-reliant, resilient, and digitally agile in the face of emerging threats.