Greek defense firm Metlen has announced an exclusive partnership with KNDS, the Franco-German defense consortium, in a move that has attracted international attention. The collaboration will focus on producing the VBCI PHILOCTETES®, the latest generation 8x8 infantry fighting vehicle developed in France.
KNDS is the result of a strategic merger between Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and France’s Nexter, two leading companies in the European defense sector. KMW is best known for its production of the Leopard 1 and Leopard 2 main battle tanks, while Nexter has carved a niche in advanced artillery systems, including the CAESAR self-propelled howitzer. By uniting their respective strengths, the consortium is able to offer a full range of land-based defense solutions—avoiding internal competition and increasing operational synergy.
The deal marks a significant step forward for Metlen, signaling its growing influence on Europe’s defense industry map. It also comes as part of a broader strategy to deepen its footprint in military manufacturing.
Just weeks earlier, Metlen signed a Memorandum of Exclusive Cooperation with Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV), a major player in military-grade trucks and combat vehicles. Together, the companies plan to jointly bid for a key program led by Greece’s Ministry of National Defence to modernize the military truck fleet across all branches of the Hellenic Armed Forces—including both armored and non-armored vehicles.
The collaboration pairs Metlen’s technical expertise in armored welding with IDV’s high-end vehicle technology, aiming to deliver a battle-proven, modern, and reliable product tailored to Greece’s operational needs.
In addition, Metlen is reportedly in line to participate in the long-anticipated modernization of 500 M113 armored personnel carriers used by the Hellenic Army. While the project has yet to be officially approved, it is expected to be included in Greece’s 2025–2037 Long-Term Defense Procurement Program.
However, the program faces a potential delay due to unresolved legal and operational issues involving Greek representatives of major Israeli defense companies, including Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and Elbit Systems. According to sources, these complications are already on the radar of Greece’s Defence Minister, Nikos Dendias.
