Piraeus, Greece – January 29, 2025 – Spirit Aeronautical Systems S.A. (SAS) entered into a strategic Representative Agreement with Fulcrum Concepts LLC on January 13, 2025. This milestone partnership reinforces SAS’s position as a key defense player in Greece, Cyprus and the Balkans, facilitating the introduction of cuttng-edge technologies and fostering innovation in unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) and helicopter modernization programs, across multiple international defence markets.
SAS TECHNOLOGY: Pioneering Advanced Aerial Systems and Weaponized Drones
SAS Technology is a leading UAS manufacturer and a proud member of the Spirit World Group. Established in 2020, SAS is the first and only Greek company to successfully design, manufacture and test weaponized drones, including aerial firing trials. Specializing in multipurpose and dual-use aerial systems, SAS excels in integrating advanced weapon systems and developing custom UAS solutions to meet modern operational demands.
SAS’s core business focuses on developing a diverse range of UAS, from fixed-wing MALE UAS prototypes in the 200kg MTOW category to multi-copter systems with maximum weights ranging from 6kg to over 60kg, all capable of carrying a variety of payloads. This versatility allows SAS’s platforms to adapt to a wide spectrum of missions, providing advanced solutions for defence and civilian applications. Committed to rapid prototyping and tailored solutions, SAS remains at the forefront of innovation in UAS technology. Notably, it was the first company worldwide to successfully conduct a 70mm rocket firing from the SARISA-class drone, a system that was successfully tested and certified in collaboration with Thales BE (https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/countries-europe/belgium/news/thales-27570mm-rockets-successfully-fired-sarisadrone-international).
FULCRUM CONCEPTS: Innovating Tactical Aviation Solutions
FULCRUM is a globally recognized defense solutions provider based in Virginia, USA, specializing in aircraft modification, integration, and mission system enhancements for military and special operations aviation. The company delivers cutting-edge engineering, design, and integration solutions for both rotorcraft and fixed-wing platforms. While Lockheed Martin endorses FULCRUM’s solutions and initiatives, FULCRUM has developed advanced weaponization and missionization products that enhance the UH-60 Black Hawk, expanding its operational capabilities for military, law enforcement and special
operations forces. These enhancements include weapons integration, survivability improvements, advanced sensor and avionics upgrades, specialized mission configurations and structural modifications.
One of FULCRUM’s most notable innovations is the Black Hawk CLAW, a modular 2-to 4-station weapons wing that significantly enhances the UH-60 Black Hawk’s armament capabilities. This lightweight, adaptable system allows for rapid reconfiguration, providing increased flexibility for a wide range of mission requirements and reinforcing the Black Hawk’s role as a multi-domain operational asset. As part of its continued advancements in firepower integration, FULCRUM has collaborated with Thales to integrate the Thales 2.75-inch (70mm) rocket system, including the FZ275 laser-guided rocket (LGR), onto rotary-wing platforms. This integration provides Black Hawk operators with precision-strike capabilities, enabling more effective engagement of ground targets with reduced collateral damage.
Additionally, FULCRUM has acquired the GAU-19A/B Gatling Gun from General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, further expanding its expertise in rotary-wing firepower solutions and enhancing the ability to equip aircraft with heavy fire support. These developments position FULCRUM as a leader in mission-driven aviation solutions, delivering scalable and adaptable weapon systems for modern combat operations.
Representative Agreement
This strategic partnership designates SAS Technology as FULCRUM’s authorized representative for the promotion, marketing and sales of its products within the agreed territory, which includes Greece, Cyprus and the Balkans.
Under the terms of the agreement, SAS Technology will facilitate the introduction, distribution and operational integration of FULCRUM’s defense aviation solutions, including weapons integration, rotary-wing enhancements, mission support systems and custom modifications. SAS will also provide market intelligence, regulatory compliance assistance and customer relationship management, ensuring seamless engagement with prospective clients across the region.
Mike Zinanni, Managing Member of Fulcrum Concepts, emphasized the strategic value of the partnership:
`
“We are excited to announce our new partnership and agreement with SAS technology, which represents an exciting step forward for Fulcrum Concepts. This strategic alliance
enhances our ability to offer cutting-edge solutions and expertise to our clients while expanding our global reach. This partnership underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional results and solidifying our position as a trusted partner in the industry and region.”
Mike Spiridakos, CEO of SAS Technology, highlighted the significance of the collaboration:
“This agreement is a milestone in our mission to bring state-of-the-art defense innovations to Greece and the wider region. Partnering with Fulcrum Concepts allows us to seamlessly
incorporate advanced technologies into various defense frameworks, ensuring superior security, operaonal efficiency and strategic dominance in modern combat environments.”
As part of this collaboration, SAS will undertake the promotion and support of advanced aviation solutions in the region, ensuring that military and law enforcement forces can benefit from cutting-edge enhancements in weapons integration, survivability, advanced sensors, avionics, mission-specific configurations and structural modifications. In alignment with FULCRUM’s expertise, SAS will also contribute to the adaptation and operational deployment of rotary-wing innovations, including upgrades for the UH-60 Black Hawk.
Furthermore, SAS building on its already valuable collaboration with THALES, will be responsible for facilitating the introduction of FULCRUM’s advanced firepower solutions, such as the GAU-19 Gatling Gun System and its associated components, along with the Thales 2.75-inch (70mm) rocket system, including the FZ275 laser-guided rocket (LGR). Leveraging its expertise and established partnerships, SAS will ensure that these systems are effectively integrated, supported and maintained, providing tailored solutions to meet the evolving operational needs of defense and security forces across Greece, Cyprus, and the Balkans.
Enhancing Airpower Through Strategic Collaborations
SAS Technology has consistently demonstrated its expertise in weapons system integration across a wide range of aerial platforms, earning the trust of major international defense firms. This proven capability has fostered strategic collaborations with leading global defense companies, reinforcing its role in the evolution of aerial warfare solutions.
A prime example is the AIHMI AHM-1X, a stealthy and silent loitering munition developed by SAS to extend the range of 2.75-inch (70mm) rockets. Designed for maximum operational versatility, the AHM-1X is seamlessly integrated into multiple aerial platforms, including rotary- and fixed-wing UCAVs, MALE UAS, attack helicopters and transport helicopters.
Beyond loitering munitions, SAS develops advanced weapon integration systems into aerial platforms, offering comprehensive manufacturing, maintenance and operational support services. By modernizing aerial assets with precision strike capabilities, SAS enhances mission adaptability, operational efficiency and battlefield effectiveness for allied forces. The evolving threat landscape, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East, has underscored the impact of asymmetric warfare, increasing the demand for enhanced deterrence strategies. In this context, aerial weapons modernization offers cost-effective solutions for militaries operating legacy light helicopters or second-hand platforms, transforming them into highly capable light attack assets with precision-guided munitions and advanced sensors, ensuring greater survivability in contested airspace.
To accelerate these advancements, strategic collaborations play a pivotal role. SAS Technology’s established partnership with Thales has already fostered significant progress in advanced weapons integration. Meanwhile, the new collaboration with FULCRUM has the potential to drive groundbreaking developments in next-generation aerial combat capabilities. As these partnerships evolve, further synergies may emerge, unlocking new opportunities in cutting-edge weapons integration and aerial warfare technologies.
This combined expertise in both manned and unmanned combat aviation enhances adaptability across multiple domains, delivering next-generation firepower, precision, and operational flexibility to meet the ever-evolving demands of modern battlefields.
