Drones
SAS Technology: New developments in loitering munition development in Greece
Greece’s SAS Technology says it has completed the first full configuration of the AIHMI 2XR stand-off loitering munition, tested from the SARISA II UCAV, and is developing two new versions, ground launch and swarming software. It presents its systems at AUSA 2026.
SAS Technology (Spirit Aeronautical Systems) is raising the bar in Greek defence technology. According to the company, it continues to lead in the field of advanced loitering munitions, presenting significant technological developments that, it says, strengthen the Greek defence industry and showcase domestic know-how internationally.
Current developments: the leap with the AIHMI 2XR (AHM-2XR)
After extensive testing in Greece and abroad, SAS has completed the first full configuration of the AIHMI 2XR (AHM-2XR) Stand-Off Loitering Munition (SOLM), a system that, the company says, integrates cutting-edge technologies and sets new standards of accuracy and operational effectiveness.
The reference configuration includes:
- a 2.75-inch Laser Guided Rocket (LGR) from Thales BE, providing high-precision target engagement;
- telemetry and video transmission over fiber optic (FO) cable, for zero interference and maximum reliability;
- a backup ELRS telemetry system, ensuring operational continuity;
- a GNSS Denial self-protection system against jamming, which is critical in modern electronic warfare environments;
- the TALPS (Tactical Laser Guided Precision Strike) software, which solves the rocket’s ballistic equations dozens of times per second, dynamically optimising the platform’s position and, the company says, dramatically increasing strike accuracy.
The tests of the AHM-2XR (MTOW 25 kg, wingspan 2.34 m) were carried out with release from the SARISA II UCAV, confirming, according to SAS, the full compatibility and operational maturity of the system.
The tests focused on an in-depth evaluation of flight behaviour, the control and communications architecture and the mission execution process, confirming, the company says, that the platform fully meets the requirements of modern operational scenarios. At the same time, the AHM-2XR configuration, designed to integrate a 70 mm Laser Guided Rocket as a precision effector, was tested; SAS says this upgrades the system’s accuracy and effectiveness drastically.
According to SAS, the results of this phase not only confirmed the technical soundness of the programme but also highlighted a steady technological path that began with the AHM-1X in 2023 and was reinforced with the AHM-2X in 2024. This systematic development has now produced a complete SOLM family with European recognition, the company says, since SAS was distinguished in a process of the European Defence Agency (EDA), securing a place among the five top pan-European proposals, a distinction it presents as confirming the technological strength and competitiveness of the Greek defence industry.
Next steps: two new versions and two new SOLM families
SAS’s R&D department is working intensively on two new versions of the basic platform.
AHM-2XW-1
- shaped-charge warhead of 6–10 kg
- optical targeting and navigation
- RF telemetry with anti-jamming (frequency hopping)
- GNSS Denial self-protection system
AHM-2XW-2
- shaped-charge warhead of 6–10 kg
- integrated laser seeker
- RF telemetry with anti-jamming (frequency hopping)
- GNSS Denial self-protection system
In parallel, SAS is developing ground-launch solutions, creating two complete AIHMI product “families”:
- Air Launched Effector (ALE)
- Air / Ground Launched Effector (AGLE)
In total, six AIHMI SOLM versions will form part of a broader operational ecosystem, offering the end user a wide range of options, high adaptability and the ability to configure the system according to operational doctrine.
More flexibility: new launch carriers and swarming
To make further use of the AIHMI-2X, SAS is developing:
- a launch pylon for attack helicopters
- a multiple AHM-2X rack for internal installation on transport helicopters, with free release through a special “slide”
At the same time, AIHMI-2X swarming software is being tested, which will allow cooperative action by multiple munitions, increasing effectiveness and operational flexibility dramatically, according to the company.
Design philosophy: Greek technology to international standards
SAS says it designs with the following in mind:
- usability and ease of integration
- the possibility of multiple configurations on the same platform
- low acquisition cost
- compatibility with national and NATO standards
The AIHMI-2X SOLM is part of the broader ecosystem around the SARISA II UCAV, which includes:
- the ARGUS system (AI-Assisted Reconnaissance, Guidance & Unified Strike)
- the AI-assisted ISTAR and targeting system STOCHOS
- the COMS (Common Operations Management System) operational command software
- the precision targeting software TALPS
- the advanced fixed-wing VTOL UAV THEOS
- the MPGS-3 ground station
Together, according to SAS, they create a single network-centric F2T2EA environment in which the collection, processing, distribution and exploitation of operational information meets the demands of modern operations.
SAS Technology at AUSA 2026
SAS Technology, a Greek manufacturer of unmanned systems for defence applications, is taking part in AUSA 2026 as a prominent member of the Hellenic National Pavilion. At booth 1603 (Hall ABC), the company is presenting Greek cutting-edge innovations in armed and tactical unmanned aerial systems (UAS/UCAVs), including the AIHMI in its full configuration.
Photos and illustrations: SAS Technology (Spirit Aeronautical Systems), from the company’s press release material.