SAS Technology Triumphs in SARISA II UCAV Live-Fire Tests: Precision Strikes with 70mm Rockets at Litochoro Firing Range

SAS Technology, Greece’s premier organization in the innovation and development of armed
unmanned systems, has successfully wrapped up an intensive three-day live-fire evaluation
(February 10–12, 2025). These assessments validated the sophisticated operational
capabilities of the company’s UCAV, SARISA II (SRS-2A), marking yet another significant milestone in the
progress of autonomous combat technologies.

The evaluations showcased SARISA II’s ability to accurately and dependably launch both unguided
(UGR) and LASER-guided (LGR) 70mm (2.75-inch) rockets from THALES Belgium in
consecutive shots, ensuring accuracy and remarkable stability.

This campaign symbolized the concluding phase of certification for SARISA II, positioning it as the
first UCAV platform globally to incorporate and operationally deploy LASER-guided rockets,
specifically the FZ275 LGR from THALES—a capability previously reserved for manned attack
helicopters and combat aircraft. The evaluations were carried out under the oversight of the Hellenic
Ministry of National Defense, in partnership with THALES Belgium, and with the essential
support of Hellenic Defense Systems (HDS), whose technical assistance and support were
pivotal in the program’s accomplishment.

Day 1 (Feb. 10): Unguided Rocket Launching – Stability & Power

SARISA II effectively fired a 70mm UGR rocket while maintaining a steady hover,
illustrating exceptional flight stability despite the strong rocket jet blast. The unguided
rocket’s path remained consistent, enabling accurate targeting with basic optical
sight.

Day 2 (Feb. 11): Laser-Guided Rocket (LGR) Examination – Precision Attacks.

SARISA II launched an FZ275 LGR LASER-guided rocket, achieving a deviation of merely 0.2m from the
designated impact point on a 5x5m target featuring a central 2x2m area, validating its proficiency
for high-precision tactical strikes (CEP).

Owing to the geographical constraints of the firing range and Weapon Danger Area (WDA)
limitations, the trial was conducted at 1,700 meters, approaching the weapon’s lower operational range. Nevertheless, the FZ275 LGR’s ideal operational range is between 3 to 5 kilometers, with a
maximum reach of 7 kilometers.

Launching at close distances introduced unique challenges, as the rocket accelerates to supersonic speeds
and deploys its guidance fins after 400 meters, limiting available maneuverability.
Nonetheless, SARISA II operated as an exceptionally stable launching platform, ensuring
accurate target acquisition even under these demanding conditions. Notably, the flight,
positioning, and launch sequence were conducted entirely autonomously, without any manual
aiming from the operator. The engagement relied solely on SARISA II’s capability to
autonomously navigate, align, and stabilize at the launch location with outstanding precision.

Day 3 (Feb. 12): Showcase for Military & International Delegates

The concluding day featured a prominent live demonstration, attended by Senior Military
Officials, specialized personnel from all branches of the armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force,
and Special Forces), as well as international delegations expressing interest in the SARISA
system.

SARISA II successfully launched a supersonic, LASER-guided FZ275 LGR rocket, weighing 12kg,
from an altitude of 450m ASL, showcasing once more exceptional stability and accuracy,
validating the CEP.

Additionally, the Hellenic Special Forces displayed the UCAV Empusa EMPX6T, the first
Greek-designed armed unmanned system in operational service since 2020. EMPUSA executed
precise grenade drop missions, deploying its payload of three grenades in both
sequential and simultaneous release methods. The demonstration commenced with training grenades and concluded with the release of live defense-type grenades, delivering an impressive
performance.

The day’s agenda also included the intended release of an AIHMI loitering munition from
SARISA II. However, the emergence of low cloud cover obstructed the execution of the AIHMI
SOLM (AHM-1X) release and flight demonstration.

A New Epoch in Unmanned Combat Capabilities

With this significant accomplishment, SARISA II redefines the function of unmanned systems in contemporary
warfare, offering a more efficient and economical alternative to the traditional, high-cost
deployment of attack helicopters and fighter aircraft for close air support operations.

SAS Technology extends its deep appreciation to its partners at THALES Belgium and Hellenic Defense
Systems (HDS) for their unwavering support and cooperation, as well as the Hellenic Ministry of
National Defense, the Hellenic Army, the 24th Armored Brigade, and the Litochoro Firing
Range, for their vital contributions to the success of this program.