The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) announces the implementation of a major digital transformation project for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones) and Urban Air Mobility, following the completion of the Programme Agreement between the HCAA, the Ministry of Digital Governance and Information Society S.A. With a total budget of €6.2 million, the project will be implemented through the Ministry of Digital Governance and Information Society S.A. and represents one of the most significant digital transformation initiatives for the drone sector in Greece.

This investment forms part of Greece's national effort to support the safe and structured development of the drone ecosystem, in line with European policies and the Drone Strategy 2.0.

The project has a strong European dimension, aiming to establish a modern digital system fully aligned with the European regulatory framework and the technical specifications of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). It will support both current and future drone services, U-space and Urban Air Mobility, including eVTOL operations. In this way, Greece is creating the conditions for an interoperable and secure digital ecosystem, fully aligned with European developments.

The new platform will serve as the country's central digital system for the management of drone activities, providing citizens, businesses and public authorities with a comprehensive digital environment covering all services required under the European regulatory framework. It will provide 24/7 electronic submission, management and authorisation of drone flights, supporting the daily coordination of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority with the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority Air Navigation Services Provider and the Hellenic Air Force General Staff.

In accordance with European legislation, the platform will also interoperate with the European Central Information Repository managed by EASA, ensuring the exchange of the required information with the competent authorities of the Member States. This interoperability will strengthen the implementation of the common European framework and enable the secure exchange of information among Member States, while facilitating cross-border drone operations.

At national level, the platform will support cooperation between the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority, the Air Navigation Services Provider, the Hellenic Air Force General Staff, the Armed Forces, the Hellenic Police, the Hellenic Coast Guard, the Hellenic Fire Service, Civil Protection authorities and other competent public bodies. It will also contribute to the management of dynamic geographical zones, the coordination of drone operations and the protection of airports, critical infrastructure and areas with increased security requirements against threats related to unauthorised drone flights, putting into practice the European Commission's policy on strengthening the protection of critical infrastructure and the resilience of the European Union. This capability is expected to significantly enhance operational cooperation among the authorities involved, reduce response times and improve real-time decision-making.

The project will be implemented progressively through distinct development and operational maturity phases, ensuring the gradual integration of the requirements of the European regulatory framework and the evolving needs of users.

The platform is expected to enhance aviation safety, simplify administrative procedures for citizens and businesses, become a key driver for the development of the Greek drone market and promote innovation, competitiveness and the deployment of new technologies and services.

At the same time, the development of the drone ecosystem, U-space and Urban Air Mobility, including eVTOL operations, is expected to create significant new opportunities for Greece. These technologies can contribute to the faster transport of medical supplies and medicines, improve connectivity for islands and remote areas, strengthen Civil Protection and disaster response capabilities, and enable the development of innovative services for the benefit of citizens, the economy and society.

Through the implementation of this project, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority reaffirms its commitment to creating a modern, safe and fully digital environment for drone operations, contributing to European harmonisation, innovation, the protection of critical infrastructure and the competitiveness of the Greek economy.

Dr Christos Tsitouras, Governor of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority, stated:

"The National Digital Platform for Drones marks an important step towards the modernisation of civil aviation and the safe integration of drones into the Greek airspace. We are creating a system fully aligned with the European framework that strengthens safety, innovation, the protection of critical infrastructure and the development of the Greek drone market, for the benefit of citizens, the economy and the country."