Greece Unveils Its Own Long-Range Kamikaze Drones in the US
Greek startup Spirit Aeronautical Systems Technology (S.A.S.) introduced its latest innovation, the autonomous AIHMI AHM-1X munition, at the AUSA exhibition in the United States, as reported by Breaking Defense.
As explained by Christos Christou, the developer of S.A.S. technology, the AIHMI AHM-1X can be integrated into the SARISA drone or helicopters. This munition can be deployed like a bomb and travel up to 15 kilometres without its engine, after which it uses the engine to continue flying an additional 50 kilometres.
The AIHMI AHM-1X boasts a range of 60 kilometres and utilizes the unguided Hydra 70 rocket as its warhead. This loitering munition can reach speeds of up to 140 km/h and is intended for use against helicopters and larger drones. Spirit Aeronautical Systems is actively seeking partners for collaboration and integration of its systems. They have already received inquiries from US entities, military organizations, and other companies. The company is also interested in collaborating with the Greek military. They are cooperating with partners across Europe under the European Defence Fund (EDF) program. It is worth noting that the AIHMI AHM-1X is still in the development stage and is expected to be ready for production by the end of 2024.
Additionally, the developer has unveiled a one-and-a-half-meter quadcopter, SARISA SRS-1A.
"This is a unique system that no one else is developing. Normally, rockets are fired from large helicopters like Apache and Cobra. We offer an alternative solution to this problem, saving lives with the use of a drone," stated Fotis Kampiotis, Vice President of Technology at S.A.S.
This system has attracted high interest from Ukraine and other countries. The quadcopter is equipped with the RL275-1S missile launcher, which can precisely target objects from one meter to one kilometre away. Missiles are launched using a mechanism that absorbs the kinetic energy generated during firing.
The system can be used for both military and civilian purposes, such as transportation and logistics. The technology is compatible with various communication methods and is not dependent on data exchange. S.A.S. Technology has announced that successful missile launch tests have already been conducted, and the system is ready for production.
As reported by The Gaze, in the early hours of October 17, during night raids on airports in the occupied territories of Berdiansk and Luhansk, the Armed Forces of Ukraine employed ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System with significant range) missiles provided to Ukraine by the United States.