Iperion anti drone system

Iperion anti drone system, developed by the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) of Greece is a lightweight, portable, anti-drone weapon system. It is designed to detect, identify, and neutralize small to medium unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), specifically NATO Class 1 and Class 2 drone swarms, Iperion supports Greece's broader military modernization and defense industry ambitions.

Development

The Iperion system was unveiled as part of Greece's 2025–2036 defense modernization plan. The system's introduction was done alongside the larger Centauros system and the portable Telemachus jammer. Iperion was specifically designed to provide layered defense against aerial threats, from small commercial quadcopters to military grade drones. Soldiers will use the portable system at the frontline against Class 1–2 drones, by combining advanced passive 3D detection and tracking with electronic countermeasure (ECM) technologies. The system can cover the whole area around it without using moving parts. It is designed to be mounted on a mast and can detect, gather, and block enemy signals effectively.

Design and features

The Iperion system is intended to be use by ground troops deployed on the field. Unlike the other larger systems, such as Centauros, which are mounted on naval or ground platforms, Iperion was designed for mobility and tactical flexibility for close range defense. The system features are:

Portable and lightweight

Easy to carry and use by soldiers in the field.

360° coverage

Can block drone signals in all directions.

Signal jamming

Disrupts GPS and other satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou) so drones lose navigation and control.

Long range

Can detect and identify drones up to 10 km away.

Multi-drone defense

Can block and disable several drones at the same time.

Flexible design

Can be carried by troops or installed on small patrol boats and other platforms.

Rapid deployment

Useful for infantry and special forces who need quick setup.

Tactical focus

Unlike bigger systems such as Centauros, Iperion is built for mobility and close-range protection.

Operational role

Iperion is designed to counter mini-drones and drone swarms, which are increasingly used for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and strike missions. It works alongside the Centauros system, which specializes in detecting and engaging larger Class 2–3 drones at ranges of up to 25 kilometers. Together, the two systems form a layered counter-UAS network for the Hellenic Armed Forces, with Centauros providing wide-area protection and Iperion delivering point defense for frontline units. Confidence in these capabilities has grown following successful operational testing, where Greece's Centauros system detected and neutralized hostile drones during a European Union patrol in the Red Sea, showcasing the effectiveness of the country's domestically developed anti-drone solutions.

Strategic significance

The Iperion system development is part of Greece's strategic desire to be independent in defense production and a potential exporter of counter-UAS technologies. The system completes the Centauros and Telemachus,as it is a core component of the country's Achilles Shield integrated air defense program, which seeks to create a “defense dome” against aerial threats by 2036.

See also

• Centauros anti drone system
• Hellenic Aerospace Industry
• Greek defense modernization plan (2025–2036)
• Telemachus Jammer