Greece's Centauros Anti-Drone System Deployed in Red Sea Operations

Greece's Centauros anti-drone system uses electronic warfare technology to detect and neutralize unmanned aerial vehicles without munitions. The system jams communication and navigation signals to disrupt drone operations. It was developed by the state-owned Hellenic Aircraft Industry, also known as EAV.

The Centauros system has been deployed in combat operations against Houthi drones in the Red Sea. In July 2024, the Greek frigate Psara used the system during EU Operation Aspides in the Gulf of Aden. The frigate engaged four drones, neutralizing two and forcing the others to withdraw, with some interceptions achieved solely through Centauros.

Kyriakos Enotiadis, director of EAV's electronics sector, stated that the system has drawn interest from countries including Armenia and Gulf states, in addition to Greece and Cyprus. He described it as battle-tested and cost-effective compared to traditional methods. Enotiadis noted that similar operations have cost hundreds of millions in intercepting low-cost drones.

The Centauros detects radio signals from drones at ranges of 25 to 40 kilometers, providing operators with time to respond.

It can engage multiple targets simultaneously, creating a protective coverage area with no limit on the number of drones it can neutralize within range. The system consumes only electricity, reducing costs compared to missile-based defenses. " — Kyriakos Enotiadis (Euronews) The system can be installed in fixed infrastructure, mounted on vehicles for mobile use, or integrated into naval platforms.

Initially designed as an onboard system, it was adapted for naval applications and incorporated into frigates. Each unit costs approximately €2 million, significantly less than standard missile-based air defense systems.

the Centauros continues due to rapid advancements in drone technology, which evolve every six months.