They don’t wear pilot helmets, and they’re not inside an aircraft—but their hands are constantly on the controls, and their eyes are fixed on a live feed streaming from high above. They are the Hellenic Army’s new generation of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operators—commonly known as drone pilots. These are the personnel being trained to operate in a battlefield where technology reshapes the rules of engagement every day.
A New Operational Capability
Their training goes far beyond learning how to fly a drone. It’s about building a new operational capability—one where precision, composure under pressure, and rapid decision-making converge with cutting-edge technology.
Training at the ‘IANOS’ Simulation Operations Center
At the ‘IANOS’ Simulation Operations Center (KPE), trainees begin with simulators and commercially available systems before progressing to increasingly complex platforms—including UAS designed and built domestically by the Hellenic Army. The center delivers high-level instruction to ensure personnel can meet the demands of this new era: one where technology isn’t just a supporting tool, but integral to how modern military operations are planned and executed.
A recent visit by the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA) to the military base hosting these UAS operator schools offers a glimpse into the evolving face of the modern Hellenic Army—one that systematically invests in technology, education, and the development of new skills.
From Theory to Tactical Expertise
During the welcome briefing at the center, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Panagiotis Michailidis, Press Officer of the Hellenic Army General Staff (ASDITH), outlined the broader framework guiding the Armed Forces’ adoption of emerging technologies—and emphasized the critical need for continuous adaptation to evolving operational requirements.
As the center’s director explained to AMNA: “Our goal is to prepare each operator as comprehensively as possible, so that when they return to their units, they can conduct missions safely and effectively—fully meeting the demands of today’s operational environment.”
Specialized Training Tracks
The school runs Class I UAS operator courses, alongside more specialized programs. One focuses on systems featuring assisted control functions; another trains operators for FPV (First Person View) drones. In FPV training, operators wear specialized goggles and see real-time footage from the drone’s camera—creating the immersive sensation of flying inside the aircraft itself. This requires an exceptionally high level of skill and situational awareness.
Candidates are selected by their home units based on operational needs and readiness levels. Evaluation considers not only technical knowledge but also personal aptitude—because, as instructors stress, “Operating a UAS is a distinct and highly specialized skill.”