Athens, Greece / Seville, Spain. During the AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition 2026, held in Washington, DC, from October 12–14, Spirit Aeronautical Systems S.A. (SAS Technology), a Greek defence technology company specialising in advanced unmanned and autonomous systems, presented a conceptual configuration of its AIHMI-2W loitering munition incorporating the Semi-Active Laser (SAL) Seeker developed by AERTEC Solutions, a Spanish aerospace and defence technology company.
The presentation highlighted the potential of combining AERTEC’s advanced laser seeker technology with SAS Technology’s unmanned platforms, opening opportunities for future technical evaluation, integration and joint development activities.`
Both companies are currently working towards the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for exploring technological, industrial and commercial cooperation, including the potential integration of AERTEC’s guidance technologies into SAS unmanned aerial platforms and other mutually agreed defence applications.
Combining Advanced Laser Guidance Technology with Innovative Unmanned Platforms
SAS Technology specialises in the design, development, manufacturing and integration of advanced unmanned and autonomous systems. Its growing portfolio includes SARISA II, a modular multi-role heavy-lift UCAV, TALOS II, a MALE unmanned aerial system, and the next-generation AIHMI AHM-2 and SPEARHEAD loitering munition systems.
The company’s technological developments also include THEOS, a fixed-wing VTOL platform for ISTAR missions; STOCHOS, an integrated ISTAR and targeting ecosystem; TALPS, an AI-assisted tactical precision-strike system; and SAS OS, an integrated interoperability operating system designed to support coordinated operations across multiple platforms and systems.
AERTEC Solutions is a Spanish aerospace and defence technology company with extensive experience in advanced aeronautical engineering, aircraft systems, Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) technologies, and the development of proprietary defence solutions. Its portfolio includes advanced semi-active laser seeker technology, guided weapon systems (FOX and BAT) and aircraft weapon integration capabilities.
The AERTEC SAL Seeker is a compact, modular electro-optical system designed for integration into guided munitions. Its adaptable architecture enables the incorporation of semi-active laser target detection capabilities into new and existing weapon systems, providing a promising technological basis for integration into SAS Technology’s AIHMI platform.
Exploring Systems Integration, Joint Development and Industrial Cooperation
The initial focus of the proposed cooperation is to explore the integration of AERTEC’s semi-active laser seeker technology into SAS Technology’s unmanned platforms and loitering munition systems, as well as its potential application in other defence systems. The cooperation framework also includes opportunities for joint engineering, research and development, technology exchange, prototyping, technical evaluation, testing and validation.
Building on their complementary technological expertise, the two companies aim to explore innovative defence solutions, including the potential integration and joint production of AERTEC’s laser seeker and other advanced munition technologies in Greece, with possible applications in additional defence systems addressing the operational requirements of the European and international markets.`
These initiatives are expected to lay the groundwork for long-term technological and industrial cooperation, supporting the development of advanced defence capabilities and strengthening the European defence industrial base.
Mike Spiridakos, CEO of SAS Technology, highlighting the significance of the collaboration, commented, “Our agreement with AERTEC represents an important step in expanding SAS Technology’s technological capabilities and strengthening our cooperation with leading European defence technology companies. The presentation of AERTEC’s laser seeker technology during AUSA 2026 highlighted the significant potential of combining advanced guidance technologies with our unmanned and autonomous platforms.”
Pedro Becerra, Managing Director of AERTEC Aerospace & Defence Systems, emphasised the strategic value of the partnership and stated, “This Memorandum of Understanding marks a promising step in our cooperation with SAS Technology. By combining AERTEC’s expertise in advanced guidance technologies with SAS Technology’s innovative unmanned platforms and systems integration capabilities, we see significant opportunities for technological innovation and joint development.”
