Page 24 - ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΑΕΡΟΠΟΡΙΚΗ ΒΙΟΜΗΧΑΝΙΑ - 50 ΧΡΟΝΙΑ | HELLENIC AEROSPACE INDUSTRY - 50 YEARS
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HELLENIC AEROSPACE INDUStRY
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Ηellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) was founded in 1975 with a clear vision: to become the national pillar of support and development for Greece’s aero-
space capabilities. In the 50 years that followed, ΗΑι moved forward with stability and consistency, building a history characterized by technical ex- cellence, strategic partnerships with leading in- ternational organizations, and, above all, people with passion and dedication.
the delivery of the last refurbished F-4E Phan- tom II to the Air Force is perhaps a symbolic mile- stone. the Phantom is inextricably linked to the history of HAI, as it was the first major challenge that shaped our technological culture. through programs such as Peace Icarus 2000/AUP (Avi- onics Upgrade Program) for the F-4E, a fighter jet directly linked to the company’s 50th anniversary, HAI proved that it could extend the life of an air- craft far beyond the usual limits, offering the Air Force reliability, upgraded capabilities, and op- erational superiority.
Simultaneously, of course, HAI supported main- tenance and repairs in every way possible, such as those of the Hellenic Air Force aircraft (from the A-7, the F-5, and the Mirage 2000 to the Canad- air), contributing tirelessly to a national mission.
As such, its 50th anniversary is not a farewell. It is a bridge connecting 50 years of history with the future of HAI. Because our mission remains the same: to serve the Armed Forces, strengthen
national security, and promote Greek expertise internationally.
today, HAI is undergoing a phase of vigor- ous renewal and modernization. We are invest- ing in new infrastructure, modernizing equipment, and upgrading our capabilities with the aim of remaining at the cutting edge of technology and responding to the contemporary needs of the de- fence and aerospace industries.
Notable examples of innovation
• the “Kentavros” anti-drone system: a domestic solution—already tested in international oper- ations—to counter the ever-increasing threats from unmanned systems. Having achieved suc- cess in real combat conditions, this system com- bines detection, tracking, and neutralization. For this reason, it is already attracting international interest.
• the “Archytas” uAV: a Greek multi-role un- manned aerial vehicle that opens up new ho- rizons for the Air Force, Navy, and Army. With capabilities for surveillance, intelligence gather- ing, and the prospect of incorporating new ca- pabilities, the “Archytas” highlights HAI’s ability to design and manufacture cutting-edge, high- interference platforms in the field.
aircraft upgrade programs
• Electronic upgrade of F-16s to Viper level pro- gressing on schedule makes HAI one of Lock-

