Greece unveils 22 defence projects through Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation ELKAK/HCDI, with focus on unmanned systems, AI and directed energy.
Greece has realised that it should not put all eggs in same basket when it comes to defence industries. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis recently announced a defence modernisation fund totalling €25 billion over 12 years. This will cover not just procurement, but also long-term R&D cycles like the ones administered by ELKAK/HCDI.
The country has officially launched 22 ambitious defence R&D projects for 2025, with six already open to tenders. Managed by the newly founded Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation (ELKAK/HCDI), these initiatives aim to modernise the Hellenic Armed Forces through disruptive technologies, including loitering munitions, unmanned maritime systems, laser-based defence, and wearable soldier tech.
Six projects already in procurement phase
The following six projects are already open to tenders via ELKAK/HCDI’s solicitations portal:
Tactical Battle Management System Development.
Development of Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs).
Transient Overvoltage Suppression System.
Cargo UAV Development (Medium Class).
Acoustic Sensor-Based Air Surveillance System.
Portable and Dynamically Deployable Maritime/Aerial Surveillance Systems.
These calls include technical annexes and a phased approach with TRL (Technology Readiness Level) expectations.
Remaining 16 planned projects in 2025 roadmap
The remaining projects are listed in ELKAK/HCDI’s R&D programme but have not yet reached the tendering phase. These include:
• Optical transceiver for ultra-high-speed secure satellite comms
• Loitering munition for rotary/fixed wing UAV platforms
• Individual weapon ammunition counter
• AI-supported secure data routing networks
• Interoperable wireless comms via IP technologies
• Fibre-optic naval surface/subsurface detection system
• Autonomous underwater surveillance system
• GNSS receiver development
• Multi-UAV portable control station
• Wearable biometric systems with encrypted tactical uplink
• Integrated radar/comm-jammer detection and disruption system
• HEL and HPM-based counter-UAV system for infrastructure protection
• Indigenous offshore patrol vessel (OPV) design
• Advanced C2 systems for special operations
ELKAK/HCDI operates with a dual institutional character—as both a governmental defence innovation authority and a national technology incubator. Beyond managing tenders, the centre supports early-stage R&D initiatives by providing financial tools, access to test environments, and linkages between academia, defence forces, and private industry. It actively fosters a start-up ecosystem tailored for defence needs, mirroring innovation models seen in NATO countries.
In line with its mission to promote transnational interoperability, ELKAK/HCDI pursues structured collaboration with NATO and EU defence research bodies. Its programmes are designed to align with broader Euro-Atlantic priorities and are open to joint development with allied innovation hubs and dual-use tech accelerators.
A key pillar of ELKAK/HCDI’s 2025 programme is its emphasis on dual-use technological development. Each project is conceived not only for military applications but also for civilian adaptation—ranging from emergency response to secure communications and maritime safety. This dual-purpose architecture maximises long-term utility and fosters resilience across multiple sectors.
To manage these initiatives, ELKAK/HCDI adopts project management frameworks based on Technology Readiness Level (TRL) standards. Each programme is divided into modular phases with milestones, allowing structured prototyping, testing, and transition into operational systems.
Conclusion
ELKAK/HCDI’s 2025 defence innovation programme signals a doctrinal shift in Greek defence planning—from reactive procurement to proactive tech generation.
As these projects proceed into implementation phases, further calls and test cycles are expected throughout Q3 and Q4 of 2025.
Author: Özgür Ekşi
