Destined to destroy drones in a matter of seconds: the “Minotaur” armored vehicle

Robot vehicle from Greece
“Minotaur”: Armored vehicle to destroy drones in a matter of seconds with lasers

The use of drones is a modern type of attack – and thus a new threat to the security of a state. The robotized armored vehicle “Minotaur” wants to be able to eliminate enemy objects such as drones in a matter of seconds. To do this, it uses a microwave and laser beam system.

Greece sees its sovereignty at serious risk due to Turkey’s confrontational policies and constant violations of its sovereign territory. The company “Soukos Robots SA” from Larissa in central Greece has therefore developed an armored “robotic” ground vehicle called “Minotaur” with the support of the Greek Ministry of Defense, which is intended to support armed forces in defending threatened areas.

The vehicle is said to be able to take out drones, for example, using two types of weapon systems: a microwave and laser beam system, which is intended to disable the attacker’s navigation systems and eliminate enemy threats, and a remote-controlled machine gun base. In addition, the surveillance systems of an attacker should be able to be switched off with the help of lasers. Soukos Robots founder Konstantinos Soukos told Greek TV channel Alpha: “[Das Fahrzeug] has the ability to fight what bothers Greeks every day – drones, helicopters, frigates.”

In addition, the bulky-looking “Minotaur” has a passive radar that should be able to detect, track and locate targets, as well as a lidar sensor, which should allow obstacles to be avoided.

“Minotaur”: drone destroyer and at the same time protected from various attacks

At the same time, an electronic, optical camouflage system protects the vehicle from attacks from drones, helicopters or ground vehicles. A state-of-the-art self-defense system should also be able to withstand attacks by snipers, rocket-propelled grenades and multiple surface-to-surface and air-to-surface missiles. Built-in armor plates and bulletproof glass are designed to protect against explosive devices and explosive projectiles.

According to the manufacturer, the 8×8 vehicle can travel at speeds of up to 100 km/h and, in addition to being operated by a driver, can be controlled remotely using RF signals from satellites or a coded laser. A trailer called “Dias” is intended to make the “Minotaur” energy-autonomous by being able to supply the armored vehicle with electricity “all day”, according to Soukos. The “Minotaur” should initially be intended for use by the Greek military, but should also be made available for foreign armed forces.

Greece: Airspace violations by the Turkish military almost every day

Violations of Greek sovereignty by Turkish forces occur almost daily. In the eastern Aegean in particular, there are regular reports that Turkish warplanes have entered Greek airspace. Unmanned drones are also used and sometimes fly over islands.

As recently as Thursday night (November 25), an unmanned Turkish drone flew over the island of Kinaros, after making a flyover over the island of Kalogeros a few minutes earlier. In the period from November 19 to November 22, the Greek General Staff had reported a total of six airspace violations by drones. In October 2022, the Greek General Staff registered 1220 airspace violations and 16 overflights.

Sources: Souko’s Robots, alpha, Greek General Staff, CNN Greece