Ground-breaking IRIX loitering munition unveiled at DEFEA 2023, bolstering Greece’s defence industry and military capabilities (Studio)
Brought to you in partnership with Paramount
Paramount Industries Greece has formed a strategic partnership with Hellenic Defence System (EAS) to coproduce the IRIX loitering munition.
Announced during the Defence Exhibition Athens (DEFEA 2023), the alliance provides for the manufacturing of advanced long-range loitering munitions in Greece for both the Greek market and potential export to international customers.
The collaboration will also enable the transfer of IRIX manufacturing know-how to EAS and encourage their involvement in research and development for future system upgrades, enhancing defence capabilities and creating jobs.
Nikolaos Kostopoulos, CEO of Hellenic Defence Systems (EAS) stated: 'We are very excited to be going into production, in Greece, with one of the world’s most advanced long-range loitering munitions. In Paramount, we have found an ideal strategic partner, recognised as one of the pioneers in the loitering munitions industry.
'EAS and Paramount have jointly developed an innovative and advanced product, specifically designed for the Greek market, called IRIX. This is a light house project for the redevelopment and enhancement of the Greek defence industry, which we are immensely proud of.'
EAS is a Greek state-owned company with a 140-year history of designing, developing, manufacturing and supplying the Greek Armed Forces with NATO-type defence systems. The Hellenic Ministry of Finance is the main shareholder, and the company is supervised by the Ministry of National Defence.
Loitering munitions have become an essential capability on the modern battlefield. The IRIX (Greek poet Homer referred to hawks as Irix) is designed to strengthen armed forces’ aerial reconnaissance, engagement, and precision strike proficiencies, addressing modern-day requirements for asymmetrical and symmetrical warfare operational capability.
The platform offers operational commanders with real-time actionable intelligence along with the ability to strike high-value targets deep within enemy territory or to deny the enemy use of operationally essential terrain.
The IRIX is based on Paramount’s N-Raven uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) technology. The N-Raven has been digitally designed with quick transfer of technology in mind, to enable governments to manufacture the loitering munitions technologies in their countries.
Steve Griessel, Paramount Global CEO stated: 'We are privileged to be one of EAS’ global partners of choice, leveraging our decades of unmanned aerial innovation and portable production expertise to jointly develop and produce the IRIX in Greece. At Paramount we believe that true partnerships and innovation mean that we design and produce technologically advanced, affordable and highly customisable solutions together with our partners.'
The companies further announced that the involvement of other Greek companies in the supply chain for the production of the system would be pursued to achieve greater participation for the Greek defence industry.
George Kyriakos, CEO of Paramount Industries Greece, stated that ensuring security of supply of any nation’s defence technologies and capabilities was a prerequisite to stability and growth.
'The partnership between Paramount Industries Greece and Hellenic Defence Systems will provide a powerful solution for the growing need for advanced and precise loitering munitions, enhancing Greece's defense capabilities as well as NATO and European defence capabilities. Importantly, also boosting our local industry and creating high tech opportunities and skilled jobs in the local market,' he concluded.
More from Studio
-
Nothing Goes Unseen: Raytheon’s LTAMDS Radar Enhances Situational Awareness Amidst Increasing Aerial Threats (Studio)
Never before have air defenders contended with such complex, rapid and varied threats in the air environment. Raytheon’s LTAMDS radar is the system they need for this ever-changing threatscape.
-
How Advanced Systems are Transforming NATO’s Approach in a Data-Dense Battlespace
There is a fundamental shift in how battles are managed – a shift driven by data. From optical systems to the communications space, to manufacturing and beyond, RTX is supporting NATO and its allies in the modern, digital battlespace.
-
Redefining Modern Warfare: Multi-Domain Operations and the Shift to Integrated Communications across the Force (Studio)
The multi-domain operations (MDO) concept is now a core focus for the US and its allies. The paradigm has significant implications for communications technology as militaries seek to integrate platforms and systems across different networked communications domains.
-
Interoperability: The Vital Ingredient for NATO’s Future Success (Studio)
The lens of multi-domain operations is sharpening, and software-driven communication choices, deeper integration, and innovative technology are increasingly crucial. Companies like L3Harris are enabling a new age of international collaboration by emphasising NATO-standardised interoperability.
-
Orbiting the Future: How New Satellite Technologies are Revolutionising Global Communications
With the satellite industry at a pivotal juncture, Intelsat is investing in advanced technologies like 5G and optical communications, striving to enhance worldwide connectivity and address emerging governmental needs.
-
The HF Renaissance – The Evolving Electronic Warfare Threats and the Need for Resilient Waveforms (Studio)
Amid modern warfare’s complexity and electronic warfare threats, NATO and its allies are balancing legacy systems with new technologies. With the importance of resilient waveforms underscored, High Frequency (HF) technology has emerged as a robust solution, leading to an “HF renaissance”.