Greek Frigate PSARA Engages Houthi Drone Swarm with National Anti-Drone System “Centaur”

On Sunday, July 14, 2024, as reported by Hellenic National Defence General Staff (GEETHA/HNDGS) sources, during the early morning hours in the Gulf of Aden, the Greek Frigate PSARA (F454), as part of the EUNAVFOR Operation ASPIDES, engaged a swarm of Houthi unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV/DRONE) attempting to strike a commercial ship. During the engagement, the anti-drone system “Centaur” by Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI), which the Frigate PSARA is equipped with, once again demonstrated its abilities.

The Frigate PSARA successfully protected the commercial ship that was under threat from the Houthi attacks and effectively countered the swarm of UAVs, according to the current Rules of Engagement. At least one drone from the Iran-supported Houthi rebels was shot down, and the others were repelled. The Frigate continues its mission as planned and remains ready for further engagements.

This interception adds to the previous successful engagement against Houthi drones in the Gulf of Aden, which resulted in the downing of two unmanned aircraft using both the “Centaur” system and its naval gun (127mm). These engagements demonstrate that Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) has done an excellent job with the “Centaur” system, which aims to counter threats through powerful electronic jamming. It also shows that Greece has the ability to provide sophisticated national solutions to problems that plague modern armed forces.

Information we learned at GEOPOLITIKI.COM indicate that the missions of the MEKO200 Frigates (Hydra class) against the Houthis are currently yielding critical insights into the effectiveness of the anti-drone system against threats. Following the completion of the mission, there are considerations to put the system into production after corresponding performance improvements, with implications for the Hellenic Army and Hellenic Air Force as well as the Hellenic Navy.