A year after unveiling Greece’s first surveillance drone, manufacturer Hellenic Aerospace Industry said an order from the country’s ministry of defense is imminent, while the company’s combat model is still looking for takers.

Executives unveiled the Archytas, intended for reconnaissance and surveillance missions, at the International Exhibition of Thessaloniki last year. The company told Defense News at the time that they expected the first pre-production Archytas model to be ready for a test flight in March 2024.

The pace has since quickened, as the Greek Ministry of Defense appears eager to fast-track the development, HAI officials told Defense News at the Dubai Airshow here.

“We are now planning for it to take its first flight before year end or by early January 2024,” said Anastasia Alexopoulou, a senior sales executive.

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“Although there is no official requirement yet, we have definitely witnessed a sense of urgency from defense authorities to speed things up for Archytas.”

Company officials are “extremely confident” that the government will place an order following the flight test and cost estimate, she added.

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