CYPRUS TO BE EQUIPPED WITH THE ANTI-DRONE SYSTEM 'KENTAVROS' MANUFACTURED BY THE HELLENIC AEROSPACE INDUSTRY - Filenews 9/3 by Andreas Pogiatzis
The presence of drones and UAVs is now a given in all theaters of operations, in all areas of modern warfare. In this context, the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff understand that proven solutions are needed to intercept these threats. Especially after the recent developments in the region and in our country, the acquisition of capabilities to deal with drones and UAVs is imperative.
According to information from Filenews, the National Guard will be equipped with the Greek anti-drone system "Kentavros", without it being decided so far how many units of this system will be purchased.
The "Kentavros" was designed and built by the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI – Hellenic Aerospace Industry). It is an electronic warfare system, which was created to counter the rapid increase in drones used both for reconnaissance and as weapons in modern conflicts.
The development of the system began in the early 2020s and was designed primarily for naval use, but it can also be installed on land platforms or stationary military installations. In fact, according to an announcement by HAI, on February 2, the "Centaur" was successfully integrated into the BARAK-MX Air Defense and Missile Protection System of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a system which is also owned by the National Guard.
Its main function is passive detection and electronic interception of drones. The system can detect drones at distances of up to 150 kilometers, while it can neutralize them with strong radio frequency interference at distances of up to 25 kilometers. The basic function of the system is to cut off the drone's communication with the operator or disrupt the navigation and GPS systems, causing it to fall or leave the area.
At the operational level, the system can detect, track and interject multiple targets at the same time, while it is designed to deal mainly with NATO Class 2 and Class 3 drones, i.e. larger military UAVs such as Bayraktar or equivalent reconnaissance and attack systems. Its operation is based on electronic information and electronic warfare technologies, which allow the system to recognize the communication frequencies of the enemy drone and focus the interference on them.
The first operational installation of the system was done on ships of the Greek Navy, especially the MEKO 200HN class frigates, such as the frigate "Psara". The system was tested in real combat conditions in 2024, when the frigate participated in missions to protect merchant ships in the Red Sea. During these operations, the "Centaur" detected and neutralized drones that had been launched by the Houthis, shooting down two and intercepting two more.
The "Centaur" was characterized as the first European anti-drone system which proved its capabilities in real war conditions. This fact strengthened Greece's plans for mass production and installation of the system on more ships and military units, as well as for possible exports to other countries.
