Μake us preferred on Google Greece showcased an array of modern military equipment at its annual October 28 parade in Thessaloniki on Wednesday, with new air defense systems, missile launchers, unmanned aircraft and naval vessels among the highlights.
The parade, held along Megalou Alexandrou Avenue, also featured Leopard tanks and other military vehicles. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Konstantinos Tasoulas attended the ceremony from the official reviewing stand.
Military parade in Thessaloniki marking Greece’s October 28, 1940, national anniversary, Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (Raphael Georgiadis / EUROKINISSI).
Military parade in Thessaloniki marking Greece’s October 28, 1940, national anniversary, Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (Raphael Georgiadis / EUROKINISSI).
The October 28 national holiday commemorates Greece’s rejection of an ultimatum from Fascist Italy in 1940, which preceded the country’s entry into World War II.
For the second consecutive year, the Armed Forces’ New Weapons Systems and Innovation Department participated in the parade, displaying equipment already in service as well as systems linked to Greece’s planned military modernization.
Many of the featured systems form part of the country’s broader defense strategy, including the so-called Achilles’ Shield, a planned multilayered defense architecture intended to counter a range of aerial threats. The effort is also linked to Defense Minister Nikos Dendias’ “Agenda 2030” modernization program.
Military parade in Thessaloniki marking Greece’s October 28, 1940, national anniversary, Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (Raphael Georgiadis / EUROKINISSI).
New air and missile defense systems
Three Israeli-developed systems drew particular attention: SPYDER, BARAK MX and David’s Sling, which are designed to address different air defense and missile interception requirements.
The SPYDER is a mobile, medium-range air defense system equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar providing 360-degree coverage. It can detect and track aerial targets at distances of at least 150 kilometers and intercept them at ranges of up to 80 kilometers.
Military parade in Thessaloniki marking Greece’s October 28, 1940, national anniversary, Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (Vasilis Ververidis / MOTIONTEAM).
It uses two types of missiles, DERBY and PYTHON, with different guidance systems. Electro-optical and infrared sensors also allow it to detect and track targets without continuously transmitting radar signals.
The BARAK MX provides both air and missile defense, using different interceptor missiles with ranges of 35, 70 and 150 kilometers. It is designed to counter threats including fighter jets, helicopters, drones, cruise missiles, guided munitions and tactical ballistic missiles.
David’s Sling uses the STUNNER interceptor, which is designed to engage ballistic missiles, advanced fighter aircraft and cruise missiles. According to the specifications presented at the parade, the interceptor can reach speeds of up to Mach 7.5 and engage targets at distances of up to 130 kilometers and altitudes of up to 15 kilometers.
Military parade in Thessaloniki marking Greece’s October 28, 1940, national anniversary, Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (Vasilis Ververidis / MOTIONTEAM).
Unlike conventional interceptors, the STUNNER does not rely on an explosive warhead. Instead, it destroys its target through direct impact, using kinetic energy in a method known as “hit-to-kill.”
The systems were presented as Greece seeks to strengthen its air defenses against a growing range of potential threats, including ballistic missiles, loitering munitions and unmanned aircraft.
PULS launcher extends strike range
Another prominent system was the Israeli-made PULS, or Precise and Universal Launching System, a rocket and missile launcher capable of striking targets at distances of up to 300 kilometers.
The system gives Greece’s artillery forces the ability to engage targets considerably farther away than conventional systems, combining precision with substantial firepower. Its ability to deploy and relocate quickly also allows it to operate in different environments.
Military parade in Thessaloniki marking Greece’s October 28, 1940, national anniversary, Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (Vasilis Ververidis / MOTIONTEAM).
Long-range rocket artillery is a significant part of Greece’s land-force modernization plans, as it provides the ability to strike targets deep within an opposing force’s territory and strengthens the country’s deterrence capabilities.
Electronic warfare and anti-drone technology
The parade also highlighted systems designed to detect, disrupt and counter unmanned aircraft.
The mobile DRONE DOME system combines intelligence gathering, surveillance and electronic jamming capabilities. It can collect signals intelligence (SIGINT) and imagery intelligence (IMINT) through cameras and other sensors. It can also interfere with the GPS signals and communications used by hostile drones, disrupting their navigation and data transmission.
Military parade in Thessaloniki marking Greece’s October 28, 1940, national anniversary, Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (Vasilis Ververidis / MOTIONTEAM).
Greece’s own HYPERION system, developed by the Hellenic Aerospace Industry, was also displayed. The system is in an advanced testing stage and is designed to detect and neutralize hostile drones. It can be installed on warships or at land-based facilities.
The appearance of HYPERION highlighted efforts to develop domestic defense technology alongside the acquisition of foreign-made equipment.
Military parade in Thessaloniki marking Greece’s October 28, 1940, national anniversary, Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (Vasilis Ververidis / MOTIONTEAM).
Surveillance drones for land and sea operations
Several unmanned aircraft designed for surveillance and intelligence gathering were featured in the parade.
The American-made V-BAT can take off and land vertically, remain airborne for up to 12 hours and operate at distances exceeding 200 kilometers. With a maximum speed of 139 kilometers per hour, it can transmit imagery and information in real time. Its ability to operate without a runway makes it suitable for confined spaces and forward positions.
Military parade in Thessaloniki marking Greece’s October 28, 1940, national anniversary, Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (Vasilis Ververidis / MOTIONTEAM).
The French-made PATROLLER is a larger unmanned aircraft intended for surveillance, reconnaissance and intelligence missions. It carries advanced electro-optical and infrared sensors and can monitor extensive areas over long periods. It can operate over land or at sea and relay real-time information to command centers.
The A-900, another vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aircraft, can operate from warships and land bases. Its electro-optical sensors and real-time imaging capabilities support maritime surveillance and reconnaissance.
The Austrian-made CAMCOPTER S-100, manufactured by Schiebel, is intended initially for deployment from the Greek Navy’s new FDI frigates. Its vertical takeoff and landing capability allows it to conduct surveillance beyond the range of a ship’s own sensors.
Military parade in Thessaloniki marking Greece’s October 28, 1940, national anniversary, Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (Vasilis Ververidis / MOTIONTEAM).
Stryker armored vehicles also on display
The parade included the STRYKER M1126, an eight-wheeled armored vehicle designed to transport and support infantry units. Greece recently secured vehicles previously operated by the U.S. Army, according to the information presented.
Military parade in Thessaloniki marking Greece’s October 28, 1940, national anniversary, Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (Raphael Georgiadis / EUROKINISSI).
The STRYKER can carry up to nine soldiers and features a remotely operated weapons station that can be equipped with either a 12.7-millimeter machine gun or a 40-millimeter MK-19 automatic grenade launcher.
The M1296 Dragoon variant was also presented. It is equipped with a remotely operated turret carrying a 30-millimeter cannon.
Military parade in Thessaloniki marking Greece’s October 28, 1940, national anniversary, Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (Raphael Georgiadis / EUROKINISSI).
Greek Navy displays unmanned surface vessels
Unmanned surface vessels were another feature of the parade, reflecting their growing role in naval operations.
The Greek Navy’s PYRPOLITIS is a five-meter unmanned vessel capable of reaching speeds of up to 40 knots. Designed for surveillance, reconnaissance and surface-target engagement, it can also carry out one-way attack missions in which the vessel itself is used to strike a target.
Military parade in Thessaloniki marking Greece’s October 28, 1940, national anniversary, Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (Raphael Georgiadis / EUROKINISSI).
The American-made CORSAIR was also displayed. The autonomous surface vessel is equipped with navigation systems, surveillance sensors and data-sharing capabilities.
According to the information presented, the U.S. Navy has used the CORSAIR in actual combat conditions in the Strait of Hormuz to rescue the crew of a helicopter that had crashed into the sea.
Military parade in Thessaloniki marking Greece’s October 28, 1940, national anniversary, Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (Raphael Georgiadis / EUROKINISSI).
Domestic defense development remains a priority
The display of HYPERION and PYRPOLITIS underscored Greece’s efforts to expand its own technological capabilities in the defense sector.
The multilayered air defense network, long-range missile systems and wider use of unmanned platforms are central to the modernization priorities outlined in Agenda 2030, which aims to adapt the armed forces to the demands of modern warfare.
Military parade in Thessaloniki marking Greece’s October 28, 1940, national anniversary, Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (Raphael Georgiadis / EUROKINISSI).
On Tuesday, October 27, Dendias visited the facilities of the Hellenic Aerospace Industry, where he was briefed on the company’s work and new programs by its president and CEO, Alexandros Diakopoulos. He also met with employee representatives.
The visit came one day before the Thessaloniki parade, as Greece seeks to give its domestic defense industry a larger role in the country’s military procurement programs.
