Big worry for Turkey as Greece set to counter Erdoğan’s Bayraktar, builds powerful drone to…, India is also…

Greek media has reported that the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) has announced the development of the ARCHYTAS II drone, which is designed to directly counter Turkey’s Bayraktar drone.

Athens: Turkey‘s Bayraktar drone is considered one of the most powerful drones in the world. Turkey, after the development, captured nearly 60 percent of the global drone industry. According to the reports, Turkey’s rival has successfully developed a powerful drone that directly challenges President Erdoğan’s lethal drone. Greek media has reported that the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) has announced the development of the ARCHYTAS II drone, which is designed to directly counter Turkey’s Bayraktar drone.

This drone has been domestically developed by Greece and is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) specifically built to counter Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2 drone. One of its key distinguishing features is its Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) capability, which sets it apart from Turkey’s drone.

It is important to note that both Turkey and Greece have had extremely strained relations, with tensions escalating to the brink of war multiple times. Additionally, Greece is well aware of Turkey’s drone capabilities. Therefore, its objective has been to develop a drone that can challenge Turkey. Greece showcased the ARCHYTAS II drone during the DEFEA 2023 defense exhibition.

ARCHYTAS II drone: Here are some of the key features:

• According to Greek media reports, this drone has a wingspan of approximately 6 meters and a length of 4 meters
• The drone is capable of carrying a 30-kilogram payload.
• It can be equipped not only with bombs but also with mortars and rockets as weapons.
• Greece’s ARCHYTAS II drone is capable of operating eight electric motor VTOLs, which transition into horizontally powered flight using a thermal engine.
• This drone can remain deployed in the sky for nearly 9 hours continuously.
• According to reports, this drone has been specially designed for both offensive and defensive operations, as well as for surveillance.
• The speed at which Greece has developed this drone is commendable.
• This drone program was named “Iron Bird,” and Greece managed to develop it in just three years, whereas Turkey took more than 10 years to develop the Bayraktar drone.

The Greek company HAI claims that the total cost of the ARCHYTAS drone program is equivalent to the operational cost of Turkey’s Bayraktar drone for just one day. Greece’s project has received funding approval from the Hellenic Company for Investments and Development (ELKAK) and the Supreme Air Council (SAGE). Additionally, it has secured extra funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The Hellenic Air Force has reportedly shown initial interest in purchasing 25 drones, and if the contract is finalized in September, deliveries could begin by the end of this year. HAI estimates that, for now, it is possible to produce two drones per month, with plans to gradually increase production over time.