Greece-based defense industry company METLEN has established a strategic partnership with France-based KNDS France for the production of the 8x8 armored combat vehicle VBCI PHILOCTETES. This cooperation aims to increase Greece’s defense industry capacity while also producing this advanced vehicle that meets the needs of the French army for other countries in Europe. According to a statement by METLEN, the cooperation includes the transfer of know-how for the production of aluminum armor and the assembly of the VBCI Mk2 in Greece.
Goals and Strategic Meaning of the Collaboration
The main purpose of this strategic agreement is to meet the operational needs of the Greek army and the armed forces of other European countries. “The establishment of production and maintenance lines in Greece will increase the availability of equipment in the country’s defense industry and strengthen the French-Greek defense cooperation,” METLEN said in a statement. This cooperation also aims to strengthen Greece’s industrial capacity in the defense industry and contribute to the country’s defense power.
VBCI PHILOCTETES: Modern Armored Vehicle
The VBCI PHILOCTETES is an 8x8 armored infantry combat vehicle developed for the needs of the French army and is inspired by the name of Philoctetes, the hero of the Trojan War. The vehicle is equipped with a remote-controlled 40 mm turret similar to the JAGUAR system and an MMP anti-tank missile launcher. These features aim to provide the VBCI PHILOCTETES with an effective defense against a wide range of threats, from UAVs to aircraft, from light vehicles to main battle tanks. In addition, the vehicle can be produced in different variants; options such as command vehicle, ambulance or rescue vehicle are also available.
The VBCI has been used by the French army for the last 10 years in cross-border missions and has been continuously improved and developed since then. The new model, the VBCI PHILOCTETES, will continue to meet these needs with its even more advanced features.
METLEN's Role in the European Defense Sector
The Greek METLEN has over 23 years of experience in the defense sector and has a reliable industrial partnership with KNDS Deutschland. The company assembles armor for Leopard 2 main battle tanks at its production facility in Volos and aims to further increase its influence in the European defense market with this new partnership. METLEN also announced the development of a new advanced metal structure production unit at the beginning of 2024, which is expected to be operational by 2026.
Volos Industrial Zone and Strategic Expansion
METLEN has entered the process of integrating two new facilities in the Volos Industrial Zone into its industrial ecosystem. This development is in line with the company’s goal of increasing its strength in the defense industry in Europe. With these investments, METLEN aims to both increase its production capacity and establish a wider industrial network.
Result: METLEN's Strengthened Position
METLEN’s collaboration with KNDS France could be a significant turning point in Greece’s defense industry. This collaboration will not only strengthen Greece’s defense capabilities, but will also increase its influence in the defense sector in Europe. METLEN’s future strategic growth plans and increasing role in the defense sector could consolidate its strong position in the European market.
