Centaur Counter UAV System
First combat proven European C-UAS, deployed in Red Sea operations.
The Centaur Counter UAV System, or Centauros anti-drone system, was built by Greece’s Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI). It is a counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) and holds the distinction of being the first combat-proven system of its kind made in Europe, especially noted for its performance against drones in naval settings during the 2024–2025 Red Sea operations. For smaller Class 1 drones, the Iperion system can be used instead.
The system takes its name from the Centaur, the half-man, half-horse creature of Greek mythology.
It was developed to counter the rising threat of drones used for surveillance or as weapons against military and civilian targets. HAI designed it to protect key sites from low, slow, and hard-to-detect aerial threats. Although presented as a domestic project, some defense analysts have pointed out technical similarities to Ukraine’s Bukovel-AD, suggesting the Centauros may be based on or built under license from Ukrainian technology. Its development was accelerated as part of Greece’s €30 billion military modernization plan, which is scheduled for completion by 2036.
The Centauros’ main feature is its ability to send targeted jamming signals at specific frequencies while on the move, unlike older jamming systems. It includes long-range passive detection that can spot UAVs up to 150 kilometers (93 miles) away. The system automatically and continuously tracks multiple aerial targets. It neutralizes drones through high-power radio-frequency jamming that disrupts control, guidance, and navigation systems, focusing all energy on the frequency the hostile drone is using for maximum efficiency. Though primarily designed for naval use, it can be adapted for ground vehicles or stationary defense. Its effective jamming and neutralization range is up to 25 kilometers (15.5 miles).
In operational history, the Centauros was placed on Greek Navy Hydra-class (MEKO 200HN) frigates, including the *Psara*. It was deployed as part of the European Union’s mission to keep Red Sea trade routes safe. During 2024 and 2025, it saw real combat. The system detected and jammed multiple NATO Class 2 and 3 drones up to 150 kilometers away. It spotted, blocked, and disabled enemy drones launched by Yemen’s Houthi movement, protecting commercial shipping and allied naval vessels without using expensive missiles or ammunition.
- Detection range
- up to 150 km (93 mi)
- Engagement range
- up to 25 km (15.5 mi)
- Cost per system
- two million euros
- Development context
- part of Greece’s €30 billion military upgrade program, planned to finish by 2036
- First combat deployment
- Red Sea, 2024–2025, aboard Hellenic Navy frigate Psara
- Uav classes countered
- NATO Class 2 and 3
Lore & Background
The Centauros anti drone system was developed to neutralize various growing threats from drones used for spying or as weapons against military and commercial targets. It was designed and built by Greece's Hellenic Aerospace Industry to protect important facilities from low, slow, and hard to spot aerial threats. While presented as a domestic development, some defense analysts have noted technical similarities between the Centauros and the Ukrainian Bukovel-AD, suggesting the system may be based on or produced under license from Ukrainian technology. Its development was sped up as part of Greece’s €30 billion military upgrade program, planned to finish by 2036.
The system's main feature is its ability to send from far away jamming signals aimed at specific frequencies while moving, unlike older jamming systems. It includes long range passive detection (up to 150 km), automated tracking of multiple aerial targets, and electronic jamming that neutralizes drones through targeted, high-power radio-frequency jamming designed to disrupt control, guidance, and navigation systems. The jammer focuses all energy on the frequency in use by the hostile UAV. Although designed primarily for naval use, the system is adaptable to ground vehicles or stationary defense.
Centauros was placed on Greek Navy Hydra-class (MEKO 200HN) frigates, including the ship Psara. It was sent on missions as part of the European Union’s effort to keep the Red Sea safe for trade and travel. In 2024 and 2025, Centauros proved itself in real combat. On its very first mission, it forced two enemy drones to crash or be taken out of action, and drove away two more by cutting off their control signals. This early success gave Centauros a strong reputation, leading Greece to equip more navy ships with the system. During the 2026 Iran War, following drone attacks on Cyprus, Greece sent two frigates, including one carrying the Centauros anti-drone jamming system.
Reader's Guide
The Centaur Counter UAV System holds significance as the first combat proven European-manufactured C-UAS, validated in real-world naval operations in the Red Sea during 2024–2025. Its deployment aboard the Hellenic Navy frigate Psara demonstrated its ability to detect and jam multiple NATO Class 2 and 3 drones at ranges up to 150 km, neutralizing threats from Yemen’s Houthi movement without expending expensive missiles or ammunition. At a cost of two million euros per system—equivalent to one RIM-162 ESSM missile—the Centauros offers a cost-effective alternative to kinetic interceptors, conserving missile stockpiles. Its early success, forcing two drones to crash and driving off two more on its first mission, led Greece to expand its use across the navy. The system's adaptability to ground vehicles or stationary defense further broadens its utility. The 2026 Iran War saw its continued use, with Greece sending a frigate carrying the system in response to drone attacks on Cyprus. The system's legacy is tied to its role in protecting commercial shipping routes and allied naval ships, and its development as part of Greece’s broader military modernization program.
Did You Know?
- The Centauros is named after the mythological Centaur, a half-man, half-horse creature.
- It can detect UAVs at distances up to 150 km and jam targets at ranges up to 25 km.
- One Centauros system costs the same as one RIM-162 ESSM surface-to-air missile.
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