DEFEA 2025: Greek defence modernisation in brief

DEFEA 2025 (Defence Exhibition Athens) marked a record-breaking year, solidifying its position as a premier defense industry event in Europe. According to the official report, the exhibition hosted 436 exhibitors from 37 countries—a 26% increase compared to 2023 and a 38% rise from 2021. Notably, 18 of these countries participated with national pavilions. The event also welcomed 98 official delegations from 45 nations, reflecting a 28% growth in international presence since 2021. John Cottrell explored the exhibition and highlighted some of the top stories and most advanced systems unveiled at the show.

Land 

France Proposes “Philoctetes” Armoured Vehicle for Greek Army 

The VBCI II-based “Philoctetes” armoured fighting vehicle was spotlighted at DEFEA 2025 as France’s offer to modernise the Hellenic Army’s mechanised units. Armed with a 40mm CTA turret and twin Akeron-MP missile launchers, it combines increased firepower, mobility, and crew protection. Nexter’s proposal includes co-production in Greece and partial interim deliveries from French Army surplus to accelerate deployment.

Greek company Metlen, in partnership with KNDS and Iveco, is set to co-produce the Philoctetes IFV and propose new vehicle solutions for the Hellenic Army. With plans to locally manufacture 270 vehicles—including specialised variants—and deliver 90 surplus VBCIs as an interim measure, this initiative is backed by French financial guarantees and aims to modernise nine Greek mechanised battalions.

EODH Offers Scalable, Cost-Effective Modernisation for Greece’s M113 Fleet

Greek firm EODH has unveiled an alternative to Israel’s Rafael for modernising Greece’s 2,900-strong M113 APC fleet. The modular “M113HEL” upgrade includes a new powertrain, digital architecture, advanced armour, and remote weapon systems—all tailored for Greek military factories. Designed for full domestic implementation, the €1–1.5 million per unit upgrade extends vehicle life by over 20 years and enhances networked battlefield capabilities.

EuroPULS Gains Traction in Greece’s “Achilles’ Shield” Defence Framework

The EuroPULS (Precise & Universal Launching System) artillery system by Elbit Systems, co-developed with Germany’s KNDS, is being considered for Greece’s long-range precision strike programme under the “Achilles’ Shield” initiative. “Achilles Shield” is a national defence initiative aimed at enhancing Greece’s air and missile capabilities with a robust multi-layered defence system. The name is symbolic, referencing the  mythological shield of Achilles from Homer’s Iliad, known for its strength, complexity, and ability to protect a great warrior. Greece plans to acquire 36 launchers and integrate them into its layered missile defence network. The total cost of the proposal is estimated at €680 million.

Offering up to 300 km range and anti-ship capabilities, EuroPULS is seen as a more cost-effective solution  than upgrading the legacy MLRS fleet.  Lockheed is understood to have proposed a €1.1 billion program to upgrade 24 M270 launchers to the M270A1 level.

Air 

Greece Eyes Jet Sales and Dual-Use Tech Boom As Part Of Major Armed Forces Overhaul

Greece has unveiled a sweeping 20-year plan to restructure its armed forces under the “Agenda 2030” initiative, emphasising exportable military capabilities, modernisation, and economic impact. Key changes include potentially selling off its fleet of Mirage 2000 and F-4 fighter jets, upgrading F-16s to Viper models, and consolidating military bases and units in an effort to improve combat readiness. The plan integrates participation in the “ReArm Europe” programme and emphasises dual-use technologies to stimulate local industry and boost exports. A €160 million initiative will go to improving living standards for personnel, while military service for reserves will be revamped to attract 150,000 participants by offering career pathways and practical skills. The Greek parliament is expected to vote on significant real estate and defence policy changes to support the overhaul.

Sea

Delian Alliance Unveils Interceptigon: A Game-Changer in Autonomous Coastal Defence?

Delian Alliance Industries has introduced the Interceptigon series—attritable, autonomous one-way effectors (OWE) tailored for anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) missions. Featuring the aerial Interceptigon-A and underwater Interceptigon-N platforms, these stealth systems operate independently or in coordinated swarms to defend against land and naval threats. Designed for sovereign nations with constrained geography, the systems promise rapid, cost-effective deployment and are currently undergoing trials ahead of rollout by 2025.

ALTUS and Naval Group Collaborate to Navalise ATLAS 8 UAV

ALTUS LSA and France’s Naval Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to adapt the ATLAS 8 Heavy Lifter UAV for maritime use aboard frigates. This partnership aims to expand UAV capabilities in naval logistics, reconnaissance, and tactical operations. Announced at DEFEA 2025 in Athens, the agreement also supports Greece’s defence industry through integration into the Hellenic Industrial Participation plan. 

Greece and Israel Collaborate on BlueWhale Autonomous Underwater System

At DEFEA 2025, IAI and Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) announced a strategic agreement to co-develop and supply the BlueWhale autonomous submarine to the Hellenic Navy. Capable of conducting long-duration ISR, anti-submarine, and mine detection missions, BlueWhale enhances undersea situational awareness without endangering personnel. The collaboration includes technology transfer, local production, and integration into Greece’s defence ecosystem.

By John Cottrell, published on 15th May, 2025. John is a defence marketing and comms consultant, you can reach him via his LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-cottrell-5979a3123/ to learn more.