Greek industrial group Metlen and France’s Naval Group have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore future cooperation in naval defense, with a focus on submarines and surface vessels.
The agreement was signed at the facilities of M Technologies, Metlen’s defense arm, in the presence of French Ambassador to Greece Laurence Auer, underscoring the growing strategic ties between the two countries.
The MoU builds on an already established partnership between the two companies and positions Metlen as a strategic partner within Naval Group’s supply chain. The French defense company is already using Metlen’s expertise to manufacture key components for FDI frigates, like the recently inaugurated Kimon frigate that was already deployed in Cyprus.
Naval Group has highlighted Metlen’s technical know-how as a key advantage that could support broader industrial collaboration across multiple naval platforms. This includes potential joint work not only on surface ships but also on submarines for international markets.
The agreement reflects a shared ambition to support complex naval systems while contributing to a more resilient and competitive European defense ecosystem. It also signals the steady strengthening of French-Greek industrial cooperation, further deepening bilateral ties.
Expanding Greek Industrial Participation
The partnership dates back to 2022, when cooperation began under the FDI frigate program for the Hellenic Navy. As part of this initiative, Naval Group launched a Hellenic Industrial Participation (HIP) program, which already includes more than 70 Greek companies.
Beyond the FDI program, this industrial framework has delivered significant and lasting economic benefits to Greece’s defense sector. Greek firms have gained access to Naval Group’s supply chain for both existing and future French and export projects.
This integration has helped strengthen the position of Greece’s Defense Industrial and Technological Base (DITB) in the global naval defense market.
Investment in Greece’s Defense Future
Metlen continues to invest in the future of the defense industry through major initiatives, including the development of a defense industrial hub in Volos. The project, known as the M Technologies Defence Hub, will consist of six factories and aims to enhance the company’s role in supporting large-scale European defense programs.
Through these strategic investments, M Technologies is contributing to strengthening defense autonomy for both Greece and Europe, while promoting reindustrialization and the development of critical technologies.
source: ot.gr
