Hey there, tech-loving friends! Today, I’m excited to tell you about a fascinating story: a Greek startup challenging the old guard of defense tech with fresh, low-cost solutions. Let’s dive in!

Back in summer 2021, Dimitrious Kottas did something bold. Leaving his secure role at Apple, he moved from California to Athens to launch a defense-focused company. Fast forward over three years, and his startup, Delian Alliance Industries, has developed solar-powered surveillance towers that keep Greece’s borders safe and spot wildfires on distant islands. They’ve also built sneaky sea drones meant to intimidate enemies from afar. But Kottas isn’t just about cool gadgets. His real gamble is whether a small Greek firm can shake up Europe’s fragmented defense sector.

Kottas’s journey is inspiring. With academic fame for GPS-denied navigation research and six years at Apple working on autonomous systems, he’s brought top-tier tech to his homeland. He emphasizes that perception — understanding what objects are doing — is critical for autonomous defense gear. For him, autonomy is the future of weapon systems, and he believes pushing this technology can reshape military tactics.

His move wasn’t only about technology. Geopolitical tensions, such as the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and Europe’s military lag, disturbed him deeply. These events made him lose sleep, motivating his shift from Silicon Valley to Athens, aiming to empower his country and continent through advanced defense solutions.

Initially, Kottas focused on more practical products like surveillance towers, mimicking successful U.S. models like Anduril. But Delian’s ambitions go further — they’re developing concealed drones and underwater vessels that remain hidden until needed. One standout innovation is a tiny, cylinder-shaped suicide sea drone that can be placed in deep waters for months and then activated remotely, creating a surprise attack when enemies least expect it. This approach uses everyday materials, making large-scale, affordable weapons a reality.

Recently, Delian secured $14 million from investors, bringing its total funding to $22 million. Yet, despite technological breakthroughs, Europe presents a tough market. U.S. pressure and local resistance to foreign defense tech challenge startups like Delian. Kottas points to European initiatives and success stories like Tekever and Quantum Systems as signs of progress, believing fragmentation can be overcome with innovation and cooperation.

He respects companies like Anduril but remains cautious. Kottas compares the current scene to the early days of self-driving cars — nobody knew who’d win. His bid in Germany shows he’s ready to take on big players by offering superior tech at lower prices. Personal motivation fuels him: building tools to protect loved ones, not just for profit. This mindset might be Delian’s secret weapon.