Diamond Aircraft secures Greek contract for special mission aircraft

Diamond Aircraft has recently signed a significant contract for the supply of three DA62 MPP aerial surveillance aircraft for the Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection. These aircraft will be used for firefighting and search and rescue operations as air operations centres and for aerial surveillance, using up to date electro-optical systems, a cell phone localisation system and various datalinks, enhancing Greece's capability to manage and respond to emergencies efficiently.

The comprehensive contract includes not only three DA62 MPP special mission aircraft but also ground stations, training, spare parts and follow-on support. Each aircraft will be equipped with the latest technology tailored to the needs of aerial surveillance and emergency response missions. The configuration will include:

  • Trakka TC-375 EO/IR camera: Providing high-resolution imaging for effective monitoring and identification.
  • Smith & Myers Artemis cell phone localisation system: Enhancing search and rescue operations by pinpointing the location of mobile devices.
  • CarteNav AIMS-ISR mission management system: Facilitating efficient mission planning and execution.
  • Beyond line-of-sight datalink for near real-time data transmission from and to the aircraft.
  • 4G/5G datalink: Ensuring real-time communication and data transfer.
  • Maritime VHF radio: Supporting maritime communication for comprehensive coverage during operations.

“This contract marks a significant milestone in our special mission aircraft department,” says Mario Spiegel, sales manager, Diamond special mission aircraft. “The DA62 MPP is designed to deliver exceptional performance in demanding environments, and we are confident that these aircraft will greatly enhance Greece's firefighting and search and rescue capabilities. We are committed to providing comprehensive support to ensure the success of its critical missions.”

Diamond Aircraft looks forward to delivering these advanced aircraft and supporting Greece in its efforts to protect its citizens and natural resources. Delivery of the three DA62 MPP special mission aircraft is scheduled to be completed by the end of Q3 2025.

Diamond Aircraft representative Nater Technion Ltd and prime contractor ATESE SA made a strong effort to materialise this project from initial demo flights in November 2022 to materialisation in April 2024.

“It is a great honour and a significant privilege for our company, as the prime contractor of the project, to cooperate with the internationally renowned company Diamond Aircraft Industries. Undertaking a project that aims at protecting our country Greece from the effects of fire fills us with pride and responsibility. ATESE SA is committed to giving its best for a great result,” says VP business development Tasos Kotronis.