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Athens · Monday, 12 October 2026

Computer-generated close-up of two AHM-2X loitering munitions under an ACP-1S carrier pylon on a Hellenic Army Black Hawk helicopter

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.

Close-up illustration of AHM-2X loitering munitions carried on a launch pylon of a Black Hawk helicopter in Hellenic Army markings. Illustration: SAS Technology (Spirit Aeronautical Systems), from the company’s press material for editorial use. Converted to WebP.

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.

Computer-generated image of the AHM-2X AIHMI loitering munition flying against a blue sky with clouds
The AHM-2X AIHMI in flight (illustration). Illustration: SAS Technology (Spirit Aeronautical Systems), from the company’s press material for editorial use. Converted to WebP.

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.
Side-view diagram of the AIHMI 2XR labelling the Thales FZ275LGR 70 mm laser-guided rocket, folding wings, motors and the fiber-optic cable exit
The AIHMI configuration with a 70 mm laser-guided rocket and fiber-optic telemetry (diagram). Illustration: SAS Technology (Spirit Aeronautical Systems), from the company’s press material for editorial use. Converted to WebP.

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 SARISA II multirotor UCAV carrying an AHM-2XR under its fuselage on grass, with two operators standing behind it
The SARISA II UCAV during trials with the AHM-2XR. Photo: SAS Technology (Spirit Aeronautical Systems), from the company’s press material for editorial use. Converted to WebP.

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
Computer-generated image of the AHM-2X loitering munition with its nose-mounted laser seeker, shown on a grey background
The AHM-2X with an integrated laser seeker (illustration). Illustration: SAS Technology (Spirit Aeronautical Systems), from the company’s press material for editorial use. Converted to WebP.

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.

Computer-generated image of a Hellenic Army Black Hawk helicopter carrying AHM-2X loitering munitions on a side pylon
The AHM-2X on a helicopter launch pylon (Black Hawk illustration). Illustration: SAS Technology (Spirit Aeronautical Systems), from the company’s press material for editorial use. Converted to WebP.

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.

Computer-generated image of a loitering munition and two other unmanned aircraft flying among clouds
The AHM-2X and the SARISA II in flight (illustration). Illustration: SAS Technology (Spirit Aeronautical Systems), from the company’s press material for editorial use. Converted to WebP.
Computer-generated image of the AHM-2X AIHMI loitering munition flying low over the sea with a rocky coast behind
The AHM-2X AIHMI flying over the sea (illustration). Illustration: SAS Technology (Spirit Aeronautical Systems), from the company’s press material for editorial use. Converted to WebP.
Computer-generated image of the AHM-2X AIHMI loitering munition flying over mountainous terrain
The AHM-2X AIHMI over mountainous terrain (illustration). Illustration: SAS Technology (Spirit Aeronautical Systems), from the company’s press material for editorial use. Converted to WebP.
Computer-generated close-up of two AHM-2X loitering munitions under an ACP-1S carrier pylon on a Hellenic Army Black Hawk helicopter
Close-up illustration of AHM-2X loitering munitions carried on a launch pylon of a Black Hawk helicopter in Hellenic Army markings. Illustration: SAS Technology (Spirit Aeronautical Systems), from the company’s press material for editorial use. Converted to WebP.
Computer-generated image of a Black Hawk helicopter in Hellenic Army markings with AHM-2X munitions on its side pylon
The AHM-2X on a Black Hawk pylon, side view (illustration). Illustration: SAS Technology (Spirit Aeronautical Systems), from the company’s press material for editorial use. Converted to WebP.
Computer-generated side view of the AHM-2X AIHMI loitering munition on a white background
The AHM-2X AIHMI, side view (illustration). Illustration: SAS Technology (Spirit Aeronautical Systems), from the company’s press material for editorial use. Converted to WebP.
Computer-generated front view of the AHM-2X AIHMI loitering munition showing its wide wingspan on a white background
The AHM-2X AIHMI, front view (illustration). Illustration: SAS Technology (Spirit Aeronautical Systems), from the company’s press material for editorial use. Converted to WebP.

Photos and illustrations: SAS Technology (Spirit Aeronautical Systems), from the company’s press release material.

AIHMI AUSA 2026 Drones Greek defense industry Loitering munitions SAS Tech