The Memorandum of Cooperation between the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI), the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the Democritus University of Thrace and the University of Thessaly for research and development and, subsequently, the industrial production of the first Autonomous Multipurpose Aerial Vehicle was signed today at an event at the Greek Ministry of Finance, in the presence of minister Christos Staikouras.

The implantation of the program, which bears the name “Archytas” by the Ancient Greek philosopher, politician, general, mathematician and engineer who insulted the first autonomous flying machine — begins on September 1st.

The Ministry of Finance, as the main shareholder of IAB, is funding the program, which is expected to bring multiple benefits to the stakeholders, the Greek economy, and the country as a whole, as it will now integrate it as a producer into high-tech systems.

Mr. Staikouras in his statement on the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation, stated the following: “It is with great satisfaction that I participate in the signing ceremony of the cooperation between HAI and the three Universities of the Country, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the Democritus University of Thrace and the University of Thessaly, aiming at research and development, and then the industrial production of the first autonomous multipurpose aerial vehicle, by bodies of the wider public sector. The “Archytas” program, as it is called, is covered with funding from the Ministry of Finance.

It is true that our country, despite the progress of recent years, there has been a long-standing lag in the development of creative collaboration between Greek Universities and public and private sector bodies, with multiple consequences for universities, institutions, the economy and the country as a whole. With the initiative that we are jointly developing, we are setting a good new example.

On behalf of IAB, the CEO of the company, Mr. Dimitrions Papakostas, stated: “The cooperation between Industry and Universities is becoming a reality through this program. Until now, there had only been knee-jerk movements in this area. Thus, IAB accepts this development with great joy. The Universities will help us to develop a UAV and there will be continuity. Universities have the skills, the Human Resources that can easily contribute to other projects. And we, as ANAB, aim at very close cooperation with them, using our Educational Center, not only to implement research programs, but also to help young people who will be able, through the company, to prepare dissertations, doctoral dissertations, etc.