The State Department has approved the sale of Aerosonde unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to Greece for approximately $30 million, which will be integrated into the Hellenic Army’s M1117 armoured vehicles.

According to the Defence and Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announcement, Greece has requested the purchase of an unspecified number of Aerosonde UAS. The new contract is a modification of the contract for the supply of 1,200 M1117 armoured vehicles of the US Army, which Greece got through the EDA process, which concerns the free allocation of military equipment.

Textron Systems is the prime contractor for the sale, with no offsetting agreements. The package for the drones that the Hellenic Army will receive includes a “fly as you drive” interface and integration kits with the M1117, GPS systems with an Anti-Spoofing system (SAASM), Lycoming engines, and a TASE400 electro-optical system.

Designed for ground and maritime operations, the 36.4 kg drone can carry a 9 kg payload to support surveillance and reconnaissance, intelligence, and electronic warfare missions.

The system has an operational range of 140 km and an endurance of more than 14 hours.

Also read: General Staff of the Hellenic Army | The Hellenic Army has received another 130 M1117 armored vehicles from the USA