Bulgaria is reportedly eyeing the acquisition of more than 100 counter-drone systems from Greece through an EU defense spending framework.
The potential acquisition centers on the “Centauros” anti-drone system developed by Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI), and will be financed through the EU’s SAFE (Security Action for Europe) financial instrument, according to Greek City Times.
Launched in May 2025, SAFE aims to fund member states’ urgent and large-scale defense investments to rapidly address capability gaps against fast-evolving threats and boost the European defense industry.
Apart from Bulgaria, Cyprus was also reported to be assessing the potential procurement of the Centauros and its integration with the country’s Barak MX air defense system.
The Centauros
Initially designed as a ground-based counter-drone system, the Centauros was adapted for naval deployment when it was integrated aboard Greek Navy frigates to counter Houthi drone threats in the Red Sea.
In the Greek Navy, the system is already installed on two MEKO frigates. It is planned for integration on four FDI frigates, eKathimerini reported.
Centauros focuses on soft-kill countermeasures, such as electronically jamming enemy drones’ communications, navigation, and control systems.
Meanwhile, HAI is developing an upgraded variant that features an active radar with a detection range of up to 40 kilometers (25 miles) and a kinetic interception option as back-up.
