Athens, Greece / Burbach, Germany: Spirit Aeronautical Systems S.A. (SAS Technology), a Greek defence technology company specialising in advanced unmanned and autonomous systems, and Dynamit Nobel Defence GmbH (DND), a leading German defence technology company specialising in advanced weapon systems and defence solutions, have held initial discussions on potential areas of technological cooperation.
The discussions highlighted the potential to combine DND’s established expertise in weapon systems with SAS Technology’s unmanned platforms and systems integration capabilities, with the aim of exploring new operational applications, enhancing mission flexibility and addressing evolving defence requirements. The discussions provided a positive basis for further exchanges on potential areas of technological cooperation.
Exploring the Potential of Combining Proven Weapon Technologies with Advanced Unmanned Systems
SAS Technology (SAS), a member of the Spirit World Group, specialises in the design, development, manufacturing and integration of advanced unmanned and autonomous systems. Its growing portfolio includes the SARISA II multi-role heavy-lift UCAV, a modular platform designed to accommodate a variety of mission-specific payloads, alongside an expanding range of autonomous platforms, loitering munitions and integrated defence technologies.
The company’s experience in integrating different weapon systems into unmanned platforms, including integration and live-fire testing of Thales 70 mm rocket systems on SARISA, provides a strong technological foundation for exploring potential applications with international defence manufacturers.
Dynamit Nobel Defence (DND) is a well-established German defence manufacturer with more than six decades of experience in the development and production of advanced weapon systems. Internationally recognised for its Panzerfaust3 and RGW series of multipurpose weapons, DND combines extensive engineering expertise, industrial capabilities and a diversified portfolio of defence technologies serving military customers worldwide.
Exploring New Operational Capabilities and International Opportunities
The initial discussion focused on the technical and operational feasibility of integrating selected DND weapon systems into SAS Technology’s unmanned platforms, including the potential to expand their range of applications and operational flexibility.
Potential areas for further discussions could include preliminary technical assessments, joint engineering studies, system adaptation, evaluation of integration requirements, prototyping and possible testing and validation activities, subject to further evaluation and mutual agreement.
By exploring the potential combination of established weapon technologies with advanced unmanned systems, the two companies see opportunities to examine new operational concepts that could enhance mission versatility, support additional deployment options and respond to the evolving requirements of modern armed forces.
Mike Spiridakos, CEO of SAS Technology, highlighting the significance of the collaboration, said, “Our discussions with Dynamit Nobel Defence represent an important opportunity to combine the capabilities of two companies with complementary technological expertise. SAS Technology has consistently invested in developing flexible unmanned platforms capable of supporting different mission requirements. By exploring the integration of DND’s established weapon systems, we aim to expand the operational potential of our platforms, develop new applications and create additional opportunities for both companies in international defence markets.”
Jens Beimforde, VP Business Development of DYNAMIT NOBEL DEFENCE, commented, “Our discussions with SAS Technology provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on potential applications for our weapon systems in the rapidly evolving field of unmanned technologies. SAS Technology’s expertise in unmanned platforms and systems integration offers an interesting basis for exploring potential technical approaches and operational concepts.”
Advancing European Defence Innovation and Industrial Cooperation
The discussions initiated during AUSA 2026 reflect the increasing importance of technological collaboration between European defence companies in addressing the changing requirements of modern military operations.
For SAS Technology, this potential cooperation aligns with its strategy to expand the capabilities of its unmanned and autonomous systems through the integration of complementary defence technologies and collaboration with established international manufacturers. For Dynamit Nobel Defence, it offers an opportunity to evaluate additional applications for its weapon systems and explore their potential role within emerging unmanned defence solutions.
Building on their initial discussions, the two companies see value in further exploring potential areas of cooperation, with the possibility of considering a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or another form of agreement at a later stage.
