Hellenic Navy Boosts Maritime Power With Advanced German Uas

The Hellenic Navy has taken a significant step forward in its maritime capabilities and surveillance with the acquisition of Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER S-100 Unmanned Air Systems (UAS). The German-based company, Schiebel Group, has been contracted to provide ship-based CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS for the Hellenic Navy’s new fleet of FDI Belharra-class frigates. These systems are destined for the HS Kimon, HS Nearchos, and HS Formion, with the first unit expected to be integrated onto the HS Kimon in the spring of 2026.

The HS Kimon, which arrived in Greece in January 2026, is set to become one of the most advanced frigates in the country’s naval fleet. With its state-of-the-art design and capabilities, it will serve as a flagship for the Hellenic Navy’s maritime operations. The integration of the CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS onto this vessel will significantly enhance its operational capabilities, providing extended situational awareness and the ability to conduct a wide range of maritime missions.

The CAMCOPTER S-100 is a versatile and reliable UAS designed specifically for maritime operations. Its VTOL capability allows it to operate from a variety of platforms, including ships and coastal sites. The system’s endurance is also impressive, with the ability to remain airborne for up to 8 hours, making it an ideal platform for long-range surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

The S-100 UAS will be equipped with a range of sensors and payloads, including the Wescam MX-10 EO/IR camera gimbal and the Overwatch Imaging PT-8 Oceanwatch. These systems will provide the Hellenic Navy’s operators with a comprehensive suite of maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The system’s advanced sensor suite will enable it to detect and track a wide range of targets, including ships, submarines, aircraft, and coastal objects.

The CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS will play a critical role in the Hellenic Navy’s maritime security operations, providing real-time surveillance and reconnaissance data to support the detection and tracking of potential threats. Its advanced sensor suite will also enable it to detect and track environmental changes, such as oil spills or other pollution incidents.

In addition to its maritime security capabilities, the CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS will also be used for search and rescue operations. The system’s advanced sensors and payloads will enable it to quickly locate missing persons or vessels in distress, providing critical information to support the rescue efforts.

The integration of the CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS onto the Hellenic Navy’s new fleet of frigates is a significant step forward for the country’s maritime capabilities. The system’s advanced sensor suite and VTOL capability make it an ideal platform for maritime operations, providing extended situational awareness and the ability to conduct a wide range of missions.

The FDI Belharra-class frigates are designed with the integration of the CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS in mind. The vessels’ hulls have been pre-fitted with a custom-designed launch system, allowing for rapid and secure deployment of the UAS onto the ship’s deck. This design feature ensures that the system can be integrated quickly and easily, minimizing downtime and maximizing operational effectiveness.

The Hellenic Navy’s decision to acquire the CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS is a significant vote of confidence in the system’s capabilities. The system has already proven its worth in a range of military operations around the world, including maritime security, search and rescue, and surveillance missions.

Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group, stated that the CAMCOPTER S-100 is an ideal platform for maritime operations due to its advanced sensor suite, VTOL capability, and endurance. He added that the system will provide commanders with extended situational awareness, further enhancing the operational capabilities of the Hellenic Navy’s surface forces.

The integration of the CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS onto the Hellenic Navy’s new fleet of frigates is a strategic move to enhance its maritime security capabilities. The system will provide the navy with a critical capability to detect and track potential threats, supporting the country’s national security interests and protecting its territorial waters.

The acquisition of the CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS marks a significant development for the Hellenic Navy, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining advanced maritime capabilities. With the system’s proven performance in various military operations around the world, it is clear that the CAMCOPTER S-100 will play a critical role in the Hellenic Navy’s maritime security operations.

The implementation of the CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS on the HS Kimon and other frigates will have far-reaching implications for the country’s maritime defense strategy. By providing extended situational awareness and the ability to conduct a wide range of maritime missions, the system will significantly enhance the Hellenic Navy’s operational capabilities.

The integration of the CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS with existing naval systems is crucial for its effectiveness in maritime security operations. The system’s advanced sensor suite and VTOL capability make it an ideal platform for maritime operations, providing a comprehensive suite of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to support the detection and tracking of potential threats.

In conclusion, the Hellenic Navy’s acquisition of the CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS is a strategic move to enhance its maritime security capabilities. The system’s advanced sensor suite and VTOL capability make it an ideal platform for maritime operations, providing extended situational awareness and the ability to conduct a wide range of missions. With its proven performance in various military operations around the world, the CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS is set to play a critical role in the Hellenic Navy’s maritime security operations, supporting the country’s national security interests and protecting its territorial waters.