Cyprus’ National Guard is expected to acquire the Greek anti-drone system “Kentavros” as authorities move to strengthen defences against unmanned aerial threats.
According to information from Philenews, the system will be introduced by the National Guard, although a decision has not yet been made on how many units will be purchased.
The “Kentavros” system was designed and built by Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI). It is an electronic warfare system developed to counter the rapid increase in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for reconnaissance and attack in modern conflicts.
Development of the system began in the early 2020s. Although it was initially designed mainly for naval use, it can also be installed on land platforms or fixed military facilities.
According to HAI, on February 2, the system was successfully integrated with the BARAK-MX air defence and anti-missile system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which is also operated by the National Guard.
The system’s main function is the passive detection and electronic jamming of drones. It can detect unmanned aircraft at distances of up to 150 kilometres and disrupt them through radio-frequency jamming at distances of up to 25 kilometres.
Its operation focuses on cutting communication between the drone and its operator or disrupting navigation and GPS systems, forcing the aircraft to land or leave the area.
Operationally, the system can detect, track and jam multiple targets simultaneously. It is designed mainly to counter NATO Class 2 and Class 3 drones, including larger military UAVs such as Bayraktar systems and similar reconnaissance or attack platforms.
The system relies on electronic intelligence and electronic warfare technologies that allow it to identify the communication frequencies used by hostile drones and target jamming at those frequencies.
The first operational installation of the system took place on vessels of the Hellenic Navy, particularly MEKO 200HN-class frigates such as the frigate “Psara”.
The system was tested in real combat conditions in 2024 when the frigate took part in missions protecting commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
During those operations, the “Kentavros” system detected and neutralised drones launched by the Houthis, shooting down two and jamming two others.
The system has been described as the first European anti-drone system proven in real combat conditions, a development that has strengthened plans in Greece for wider production, installation on additional ships and potential exports.
