DEFEA 2023 GREECE DEFENCE SHOW REPORT

DEFEA 2023 GREECE DEFENCE SHOW REPORT

DEFEA – Defence Exhibition Athens 2023 welcomed visitors, exhibitors and Delegations from 91 countries, positioning Greece at the forefront of international interest in the fields of Defence, Security and the Defence Industry.  A total of 346 exhibitors from Greece and abroad presented Cutting-edge Weapon Systems to visitors from 78 countries.

DEFEA 2023 GREECE DEFENCE SHOW REPORT

A total of 350 exhibitors from Greece and abroad, covering 27 countries exhibits, presented Cutting-Edge Weapon Systems & Defence Equipment from Land, Air & Naval Sectors to Visitors & Delegations from 91 countries at the 2nd Edition of DEFEA in May 2023 at Athens.

by Anita Mal Kaul

Milestone for the Greek Defence Industry
DEFEA – Defence Exhibition Athens 2023 welcomed visitors, exhibitors and Delegations from 91 countries, positioning Greece at the forefront of international interest in the fields of Defence, Security and the Defence Industry. At DEFEA 2023, 55 International Delegations were present, headed by Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Defence, Chiefs of Armed Forces and General Staffs, Directors of Defence Services, and several executives from prominent Global Defence Industries.

Top-level international contacts took place, along with almost 300 B2B meetings with participants from over 20 countries. Many very important Industrial Cooperation Agreements were signed for the international market at DEFEA 2023. DEFEA 2023 created significant opportunities for the development of the Defence Industry, and strengthening the country's Defence and Diplomatic footprint. This 2nd Edition of DEFEA laid the foundations for an even larger and more successful event in 2025.

The Minister of National Defence Nikos Panagiotopoulos inaugurated the international exhibition for Defence and Security DEFEA 2023. Deputy Minister Nikos Chardalias, as well as the Chief of the National Defence General Staff  General Konstantinos Floros attended the ceremony. Additionally, 32 official Governmental and Military Delegations, 10 of which were headed by Ministers or Deputy Ministers of Defence were present as guests of honour of the exhibition.
After the Inauguration Ceremony, the Minister of National Defence had consecutive meetings with his counterparts, present in the exhibition. Mr. Panagiotopoulos also attended an open discussion under the title "Greece at the Center of Geopolitical Developments", which was focused on the Raise of the Capabilities of the Armed Forces and Extroversion of the Greek Defence Industry.

International  Industrial Cooperation &  Business Agreements
The 2nd DEFEA - Defence Exhibition Athens 2023 was successfully conducted with significant representation from the giants of the Global Defence Industry. The event took place from May 9th to May 11th at the Metropolitan Expo near Athens Airport.

The International Defence and Security Exhibition promoted collaborations between the Hellenic Defence Industry and major companies in the global defence market. A total of 346 exhibitors from Greece and abroad presented Cutting-edge Weapon Systems to visitors from 78 countries. Additionally, a multitude of professional meetings (B2B) took place during the exhibition, resulting in the signing of significant agreements between Domestic and International Defence Industry companies.

High-Level Representation
Presidents, Vice Presidents, and top executives from major companies of the Global Defence Industry attended DEFEA2023, including top companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, General Atomics, Textron, Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace from USA; Dassault Aviation, Naval Group, Airbus, MBDA, Thales, Safran, Nexter from France; Fincantieri, Leonardo, ELT, IDV from Italy; EDGE Group from United Arab Emirates; Rheinmetall, KMW, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Atlas Elektronik, Diehl Defence from Germany; IAI, Rafael, Elbit Systems, UVision from Israel; BAE Systems from UK; Saab from Sweden; Schiebel from Austria; WB Group from Poland, etc.

The International Defence and Security Exhibition saw the participation of numerous European and International entities, Defence Associations, and European Consortia. This year's event was notable for the involvement of the European Commission, during which the Director General for Defence Industry and Space, FrançoisArmbor, presented the actions of the European Defence Fund to support Research and Development Programmes. In the same context, the NATO Defence Investment and Technological Research Directorate organised a discussion on the Greek Innovation System and the Innovation Fund of the Atlantic Alliance.

Meetings and Agreements: During DEFEA2023, a total of 295 business matchmaking meetings were organised and coordinated by the PRAXI Network, part of the Enterprise Europe Network in Greece. Additionally, numerous meetings took place between official delegations and exhibitors participating in the International Defence and Security Exhibition. DEFEA plays a catalytic role in strengthening and developing the Hellenic Defence Industry (HDI) by providing a suitable platform for interaction among companies that are key players in the global defence market. It also promotes the extroversion of the Greek Defence Industry.

During DEFEA2023, significant Industrial Cooperation Agreements were signed that enhanced Greece's role and contributed to its economy and development. These included the acquisition of leading Greek Electronics Company Intracom Defense (IDE) by Israeli company Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the agreement between Greek company EODH (Engineering Office DeisenrothHellas) and German company KMW (Krauss-Maffei Wegmann) for the production of armour for Norwegian Leopard Main Battle Tanks, the comprehensive cooperation agreement between German company AUTOFLUG GmbH and the Greek-German consortium ALTHOM GmbH and ALTHOM Engineering E.P.E, as well as the signing of an agreement between the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence and French Company MBDA for the support of the Long-Range SCALP EG Missiles of the Hellenic Air Force.

Top Defence Delegations
Once again, DEFEA - Defence Exhibition Athens 2023 brought Greece to the forefront, creating significant opportunities for the development of the Domestic Defence Industry, and strengthening the country's Defence & Security footprint, laying the foundation for an even greater and more successful event from May 6th to 8th, 2025.
The presence of 55 official delegations, headed by Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Defence, Chiefs of Armed Forces and General Staffs, Directors of Defence Services, besides senior executives from prominent Global Defence Industries, unequivocally affirmed the enhanced role of Greece. Through DEFEA 2023, Greece found itself positioned at the forefront of international interest in the fields of Defence, Security, and the Defence Industry.

Greece Minister of National Defence, Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, visited the exhibition booths accompanied by Deputy Minister of National Defence, Nikolaos Chardalias, and the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Konstantinos Floros. Mr. Panagiotopoulos also engaged in significant meetings with his counterparts who visited DEFEA 2023, including the Italian Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto, the Cypriot Minister of Defence, Michalis Giorgallas, and the Minister of Defence of North Macedonia, Slavjanka Petrovska. During these meetings, they discussed international geopolitical developments and bilateral defence interests, further solidifying Greece's imprint in the field of Defence Diplomacy.

During the DEFEA 2023, Deputy Minister of National Defence, Nikolaos Chardalias, in the presence of Mr. Panagiotopoulos, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with his Slovak counterpart, Marian Majer, and met with the official Military Delegations from Armenia, Ghana, and the United Arab Emirates. The Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Konstantinos Floros, held meetings with the Chief of the General Staff of the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces, General Fayyad Al-Ruwaili, and the Chief of the General Staff of the Central African Republic Armed Forces, General Zephirin Mamadou. They discussed matters of military cooperation as well as regional developments. General Floros also toured the booths and met with representatives of foreign delegations.

On a Diplomatic level, the presence of Ambassadors and high-ranking officials from the European Union and NATO was significant. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs was represented by Deputy Minister for Economic Diplomacy and Extroversion, Kostas Fragogiannis. The opening ceremony of the American Pavilion was attended by the U.S. Ambassador to Athens, George Tsunis.

High-level contacts were made by the Director of the Directorate for Defence Equipment and Investments, Admiral (Ret.)Aristidis Alexopoulos, during which important agreements were signed, such as the support for the Hellenic Air Force's Long-Range SCALP EG Missiles by the French Company MBDA. The Chiefs of the three Defence Services, the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force, toured the booths at DEFEA2023 and met with their counterparts and representatives from the Global Defence Industry.

The Minister of Development and Investment, Adonis Georgiadis, presented the Government's programme to support the Domestic Defence Industry during DEFEA 2023. He participated in an open discussion with the President of the Hellenic Manufacturers of Defence Materiel Association, Tasos Rozolis, and toured the exhibitors' booths. The Deputy Minister of Citizen Protection, Lefteris Oikonomou, was also present, as the Hellenic Police, the Fire Brigade, and the Hellenic Coast Guard had a significant presence at DEFEA 2023.

The International Defence and Security Exhibition DEFEA 2023 thus had important visits, transnational contacts and discussions aimed at laying the foundations for future Industrial Collaborations.

In particular, the Deputy Minister of Citizen Protection, Mr. Lefteris Oikonomou, visited the exhibition, toured the stands and wound up his tour with a visit at the venue of the Hellenic Police where he had important contacts and conversations.

In addition, visits to all the stands of the exhibition were made by the Head of the Hellenic Army General Staff, Lt. General Angelos Houdeloudis, accompanied by his staff. He was briefed in detail about the proposals of the industries that manufacture systems for the Army. Among them were Armoured Fighting Vehicles, which will be the next step in strengthening the Greek Ground Forces.

Officers from all three Branches of the Armed Forces made their presence felt by visiting DEFEA 2023 exhibitors for information. Further, there was the contacts among the various industries with each other (B2B) in order to share information and explore possibilities for co-productions and joint development of programmes. Technology Transfer mechanisms and in particular the synergies between Defence Industries and those of the Civilian Sector were the subject of an informative event organised by the Hellenic Manufacturers of Defence Materiel Association-SEKPY in the context of DEFEA 2023.

Robotic applications in firefighting efforts as well as the effects of disasters on the environment and the economy occupied another informative event held during the last day of the Exhibition. Finally, Innovative Systems for Surveillance and Border Management were discussed at the informative event that closed the DEFEA Academy.
Greece's upgraded geopolitical position and the country's strategic choice to be a pillar of security and stability in the South-Eastern Mediterranean was reflected in the high-level representation of friendly and allied countries at DEFEA 2023. The highly successful event returned even bigger and more impressive this year, highlighting Greece as one of the key players in the wider Mediterranean and Balkan Region. Along with the Greek Minister of Defence, eight more Defence Ministers attended the International Defence and Security Exhibition, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, Italy, North Macedonia, Romania, and Slovakia.

Global geopolitical rearrangements, strengthening of bilateral and multilateral formations, developments in the Defence Industry, and initiatives at the level of the European Union and NATO were at the center of the talks that the political and military leadership had with senior officials from the countries participating in DEFEA 2023.

The exhibition constitutes the ideal platform for fruitful dialogue on international relations and foreign policy issues. Military and political actors and organisation directors came to Athens from every corner of the world highlighting the dimension of Defence Diplomacy.

DEFEA exhibition showcased new Weapons Systems, Innovative Technologies, and the latest advancements in the field of Defence Equipment from both the Domestic and International markets. Representatives from major companies in the industry also informed visitors about all the latest developments in their Defence Systems.

Geopolitical Developments Spotlight on Greece
Armenia, Austria, France, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, Israel, Italy, China, Cyprus, The Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia and the Czech Republic participated with National Pavilions, as well as the European Commission with the Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space. Independent entries included Belgium, Switzerland, Poland, Spain, India and Sweden. Hellenic Ministry of National Defence and Hellenic National Defence General Staff participated with their own stands. At the forefront Geopolitical, economic and technological developments from the United States to China and from Russia to Iran, as well as the role of NATO, Europe and Greece in the constantly evolving landscape of security threats and challenges, was the main focal and talking point among political, academic and Military participants at DEFEA 2023.

The fact that Greece has organised one of the important International Defence and Security Exhibitions, at a time of tectonic changes that reshape the future, confirms Greece’s role as a pillar of Security and stability as well as a Regional Power. Emphasising on Hellenic Defence Industry, the framework of DEFEA was the subject of a detailed presentation to Defence Attaches and the diplomatic officials of foreign countries in a meeting held by the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence, while a working meeting took place with the executives of the exhibition organisers, ROTA SA.

Strengthening the Hellenic Defence Industry is a strategic goal of Hellenic Government as Greece is investing in Upgrading its Defence Capabilities. DEFEA 2023 was a hub for cooperation among the hundreds of representatives of the Greek and International Defence Community and the leaders of the Global Defence Industry.

In the context of DEFEA, events and workshops were organised with a focus on European and NATO initiatives like the European Defence Fund (EDF Cross-Project Conference) and NATO Defence Innovation initiatives, such as the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) and the NATO Innovation Fund.

DEFEA 2023 was focused on the Hellenic Defence Industry which made a dynamic presence with 97 State-owned and Private Industries among the total of the 350 Exhibitors of DEFEA 2023. Some of these factories were founded more than a century ago and they have an invaluable contribution to the National Defence of Greece.

DEFEA thus become the meeting point for the entire Defence Industry, facilitating interstate contacts, technical and geostrategic briefings and international cooperation. Strategically located in Greece, one of the oldest Member States of NATO and EU, DEFEA 2023 offered the ideal access to Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, Asia and Africa, as well as Europe and the USA.

Land, Sea & Air Displays
Defence Exhibition Athens (DEFEA) hosted the International Defence Industry alongside the major Greek Defence Companies, with an equal split across Land, Air, Sea and Cyber Security, with exhibitors exhibiting either as part of a National Pavilion or independently.

DEFEA addressed the requirements of Armed Forces, Defence Industry and National Security. The companies participating in the exhibition presented the latest technologies and Cutting-edge Defence Systems, National Security Systems, Cyber Security Systems, Vehicles, Vessels and Aircrafts, Sub-Assemblies and Ammunition, Communication and Detection Systems, Weapons and Weapon Systems, Personal Equipment & Tools, Information & Cyber Security, Training, Navigation & Simulation, Infrastructures, Logistics Support & Transportation, Medical, R&D and Services.

Greece is an ideal and strategic location for a Defence and Security Exhibition that provides a gateaway for the EU and USA to Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Greece keeps excellent relations and Military Cooperation with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Countries, it also boasts a rising investment in Defence and Security.

DEFEA was fully supported by the Greek Ministry of Defence- General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armanents (GDDIA) offering a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase the latest Technology, Equipment and Systems across the Land, Sea and Air Domains. DEFEA’s Strategic Partner is SEKPY-Hellenic Manufacturers of Defence and Security Material  Association, which represents more than 243 certified companies operating in the fields of Defence and Security. DEFEA was also held under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Shipping with the support of the Hellenic Aerospace Security and Defence Industries Group (HASDIG) and the Hellenic Association of Space Industry.

DEFEA further provided the opportunity to have B2B Meetings with the Delegations and to take part in Matchmaking events. There were also the opportunity to deliver Corporate Presentations and to participate in Networking Events creating new contacts.

The exhibition was attended by International Delegations, distinguished guests, Goverment Officials, Senior Executives and high-ranking Military personnel from Greece, Europe, the Balkans, the Middle East and the wider Eastern Mediterranean. Visitors included Ministers, Deputy Ministers, General Secretaries of Defence and Security/Civil Protection; Directors and Senior Defence Equipment Officials; Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, Senior Officers of Land-Air-Naval Forces and General Staff; Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, Senior Officers of Security Corps, such as Police & Fire Brigade and Port Authorities; Ambassadors, Military and Commercial Attachés.

Large Turnout at DEFEA 2023
More than 350 exhibitors from 27 countries participated in the Second Edition of DEFEA – Defence Exhibition at the Metropolitan Expo located at Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos.”
A large number of international and domestic companies were presenting Land, Naval, Aerospace, National and Cyber Security Defence Systems at the event. The Hellenic Ministry of National Defence had issued many official invitations to counterparts as well as to high-level Military Delegations.

The event took place in the backdrop of Greece implementing a new Defence Procurement Programme. While contracts for Frigates and Fighter Aircraft have been signed, negotiations are underway for a large number of other major programmes. DEFEA 2023 provided a platform for the Defence Industry to interact with decision makers from Greece and Allied Countries. A number of high-level events such as round table discussions and VIP lectures were also a part of the event that was well attended by Force Planners, Government Officials, and distinguished guests from EU Members States, NATO Nations and EU Bodies.

DEFEA 2023 hosted more than 350 exhibitors from 27 countries, presenting the latest Technologies and Cutting-Edge Defence Systems in Land, Sea, Air, National and Cyber Security Systems.

Exhibitors took advantage of the opportunities to develop their business. Make contacts and establish Partnerships with industry leaders from the Greek and International Defence and Security community, while presenting the company to the official delegations at top level and participated in the Networking Events. Added value was found in interesting events including Ministerial Round Table, Reception Gala, B2B and B2G Sessions, DEFEA Academy and more.
The Ministry of National Defence, under the auspices of which DEFEA takes place, with its active co-operation in the organisation of the event, utilises the benefits coming out of the Exhibition, hosting counterparts, as well as Chiefs of General Staffs from allied and friendly countries. Organising the Ministerial Round table, as well as other Conferences highlighting the geopolitical aspects of DEFEA.

Concurrently, the General Directorate of Defence Investments and Armaments, participated in the Exhibition, opened prospects for industrial co-operation with the companies present in DEFEA. Additionally, the Ministry of Merchant Marine placed DEFEA under its auspices and also presented in the Exhibition.

The General Staffs of the Hellenic Armed Forces were present at DEFEA, with the Training Capabilities of the Hellenic Services and especially the International Joint Exercises with friendly and allied countries. The Hellenic Police as well as the Hellenic Coast Guard also presented at DEFEA 2023, both their important work on the security of the citizens and their contribution in the complex task of the Border Protection in Land and Sea.

DEFEA INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITORS
Aeronautics, Airbus Group, Arquus, Astronautics, Atlas Elektronik, BAE Systems, Barracuda Boats, Barrett Firearms, Bell, Boeing, Ceska Zbrojovka A.s., CHANAKYA Aerospace, Defence & Maritime Review, Collins Aerospace, Cubic, Damen Shipyards, Dassault Aviation, Diehl Defence, Dillon Aero, ELT, EDGE Group, EXAIL, Elbit Systems Ltd, Excalibur Army, Fincantieri, FN Herstal, General Atomics Aeronautical, GICAN, Glock, Hagenuk Marine-kommunikation Gmbh, Collins Aerospace, Hellenic Aerospace Industry S.a., Hellenic Defence Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), IDV-Iveco, Kerametal, Konstrukta Defence, KMW, Lacroix, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, MBDA, Miltech Hellas (Atese), MTU, Naval Group, Nexter-KNDS, NIDV - Netherlands Industry For Defence & Security, Northrop Grumman, Oshkosh, Plath, Pratt & Whitney, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Rafale International, Ramsys, Raytheon Technologies, Rheinmetall, Rolls-Royce, Saab, Safran Group, Schiebel, Sibat Israel Ministry of Defence, SK Group, Smartshooter Ltd, Sogena, Soukos Robots, Spirit Aeronautical Systems S.a., Textron Aviation Inc., Thales, Theon Sensors, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, TNO, Ultrax Aerospace Inc., USA Pavilion, UVision, Valpak, Van Halteren, Viking Norsafe, WB Group, etc.

MBDA to Conduct Mid-Life Refurbishment  of SCALP Missiles for the Hellenic Air Force
MBDA strengthens its close relationship with Greece with a contract for Mid-Life Refurbishment (MLR) of the SCALP Missiles of the Hellenic Air Force, which was signed on 11th May 2023. The contract was signed by Admiral Aristeidis Alexopoulos, General Director for Defence Investments and Armaments of the Greek Ministry of National Defence and Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA.

This MLR contract is dedicated to the SCALP Missiles of the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) and includes the procurement of Mission Planning Products, Maintenance and Technical Assistance. This will prolong the operational superiority of the weapon against future threats.

Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, stated: “The signing of this contract has a particular meaning for MBDA, coming 55 years after we signed our first-ever Exocet contract with Greece. Our commitment since then never faltered and we are very honoured by this additional expression of trust from the Hellenic Air Force towards MBDA for the Mid-Life Refurbishment of these SCALP Missiles. This is again reinforcing our commitment to continue to deliver key sovereign capabilities that provide the best solutions to meet the requirements of the Hellenic Armed Forces customer.”

The MBDA SCALP Missile currently equips the Hellenic Air Force’s Mirage 2000-5 & Rafale Fighter Aircraft. The missiles concerned by this Mid-Life Refurbishment were ordered in the original Weapon Package for the Mirage 2000-5. Further SCALP Missiles were ordered by Greece in the Weapon Packages for the 18 Rafales ordered in 2021, and the additional six Rafales ordered in 2022.

MBDA Strengthens Presence in Greece By Opening Office in Athens
MBDA has inaugurated a new permanent office in Athens, strengthening the company’s presence in Greece and demonstrating its commitment to supporting the Hellenic Armed Forces. Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, stated, “The inauguration of our Athens office is a cornerstone in our special relationship with Greece. We are proud to have supported the Hellenic Armed Force for over 50 years and to have contributed to a strategic and close partnership with Greece, based on strong mutual trust. Through this permanent presence of MBDA in Athens, we intend to increase our local investments in Greece and to partner with Greek Institutions to continue to deliver key sovereign capabilities that provide the best solutions to meet the requirements of the Hellenic Armed Forces customer.”

Greece was MBDA’s first customer for the Exocet Missile in 1968, and the company has worked with the country for over 50 years. Greece has recently reaffirmed this long-standing relationship with contracts for Weapon Packages for the Rafale Fighters and its Defence and Intervention Frigates of the Hellenic Navy (FDI HN).

MBDA’s new office in Athens will be a springboard for even closer co-operation. Developing the local participation of Greek National Companies and Institutions in the delivery of MBDA’s contracts in Greece and their follow-on phases. In 2022, a contract was also signed for a state-of-the-art Weapon Package from MBDA to equip three new Defence and Intervention Frigates (FDI HN).

MBDA continues to contract projects with Greek companies as part of its industrial cooperation programme linked with the supply of the Hellenic Navy’s Defence and Intervention Frigates (FDI HN). The company is also looking to strengthen its cooperation in areas of research and in the development of Joint Projects.

Following previous contracts signed, MBDA is now working with AKMON S.A. and MILTECH HELLAS S.A. for the production of Electronic Equipment and Cables, and with SSA S.A. for integration activities onboard the FDI. In addition, MBDA recently signed another contract with SSA S.A. in association with the Polytechnic University of Athens (NTUA) in various cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence. Several Research and Development (R&D) contracts were also signed in 2022. In addition to these initial contracts, and as part of the "R&D Booster" initiative in Europe, MBDA is seeking to develop additional Research and Development (R&D) Projects to ensure the long-term viability of its cooperation with Greek Partners. The ambition is to integrate them into MBDA's Supply Chain from the research and study phases of products and services, leading to jointly marketed “Made in Greece” products & services on the global market. MBDA is proposing to its current and potential Greek Partners to start discussing projects related to MBDA’s activities.

Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, said: “Our ambition in Greece is to continue to develop fruitful Partnerships and increase local participation. This is why, in addition to manufacturing activities, and as part of the “R&D Booster” initiative, MBDA is looking forward to expanding its long-term cooperation with Greek Industrial Partners to further develop new products that can be jointly introduced worldwide.”

U.S. Weapons Systems Display in Athens
The historically high-level of Greek-American relations, as reflected in the signing of the renewed Mutual Defence Cooperation Agreement and the speech of the Greek PM, Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the U.S. Congress, was confirmed by the significant presence of U.S. companies at DEFEA 2023. The U.S. Army participated in the show with some of the most Advanced Weapon Systems it possesses, which are at the forefront of operations both in the war zones of Ukraine and in other areas of the world, and some of which are also in the scope of the Greek Armed Forces. HIMARS and Black Hawks, known for their effectiveness, the U.S. M142 HIMARS Rocket Launchers manufactured by Lockheed Martin were presented at DEFEA. The powerful Weapon System remained the center of interest for its successes on the battlefield and following the announcement by Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall of their joint development of a German Missile Defence System, similar to the HIMARS.

The UH-60M Helicopter, the legendary Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin Black Hawk, was also prominently exhibited. It is one of the most popular Military Helicopters in the world, with over 5,000 Units serving in 35 countries. The helicopter that was in Athens is the "Mike" Version, with the UH-60 type counting more than 15 million flight hours and over 4 million hours in combat environment.

The Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky Black Hawk is, in fact, in the scope of the Greek Armed Forces to replace the aging UH-1 Huey of the Greek Army, while participating in the selection process of the Air Force as a Search and Rescue Helicopter. The Greek Navy already uses a variation of this helicopter, the S-70 Aegean Hawk, and in the coming months, even more modern MH-60 Romeo Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Helicopters of the same helicopter family are expected to arrive in Greece. General Directorate of Defence Equipment and Investments has already sent the relevant request (LoR for LoA) for the Greek Army's Helicopters and is waiting for Washington's response.

At DEFEA 2023, the U.S. Army presented the M270 MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) in its most modern version, the A2, which features a new Fire Control System allowing the use of Precision Ammunition, a 600 hp Engine, Upgraded Transmission System, and improved Cabin Armour. According to reports, the U.S. Army plans to Upgrade its entire fleet of 225 M270A1 and 160 decommissioned M270A0 to the A2 Version. Visitors to the exhibition also had the opportunity to learn about the JLTV (Joint Light Tactical Vehicle) by Oshkosh, which is used by the U.S. Army, Marines and Special Operations Command of the United States. In fact, it is one of the vehicles that can be equipped with the Israeli Spike NLOS System, which will soon be available to the Greek Armed Forces.

The U.S. Army also showcased the powerful M1134 TOW Carrier ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile Vehicle) from the Stryker Family of vehicles, a modern Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) that is used as the primary Anti-Tank Weapon and has remarkable capabilities against armoured threats as it is equipped with TOW Missiles. Those who attended DEFEA also took a close look at the American Version of the Textron M1117 Guardian, which was recently introduced into service with the Greek Armed Forces. Athens is set to receive a total of 1,200 vehicles of this type through the EDA programme, with hundreds already delivered and the rest arriving in the coming months. In the context of the Upgraded Defence Cooperation between Athens and Washington, significant U.S. companies were present at DEFEA 2023, such as Aviation Procurement Systems, BAE Systems, Boeing, D&M Ammunition Manufacturing Solution, Dillon Aero, Erickson Inc., General Atomics Aeronautical, Lockheed Martin, Onex, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, State of Missouri International Trade & Investment, EWR Radar Systems, Masterclock, Textron Aviation Inc., Titanium Industries, Velos Rotors Inc., By-Linear/By-Light, Summit Aviation Inc., Alpha Systems, Air Industrial – G. Alexandris and Join Stock Co., Total View, Aeroservices, S3 Aerodefense, Northrop Grumman, and Cubic Digital Intelligence.

Leonardo Offers an Integrated Approach to the Security of the Mediterranean Basin
Leonardo, as a high-tech champion in Defence and Security,  participated at DEFEA 2023 offering complete and Multi-Domain Safety and Security Solutions, to help ensure the progress and well being of the Mediterranean Area. At DEFEA, the company presented its capabilities that allow a projection in all Operational Domains, including Space and Cyber Security. Starting with the Kronos Family of Multi-Function Radars, with over 40 examples in service all over the world - including Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and South America - in both Land and Naval Variants, Fixed and/or Mobile Versions, which perform multiple functions simultaneously. The Radars use the same Sensor to perform different Operational Missions: from Surveillance, to tracking, to the designation of aerial targets. The most recent of the family, the Kronos Grand Mobile High Power, has been chosen for the NATO Range based on the Island of Crete, which will be delivered in 2024 and will serve as an Integrated Air and Missile Defence System, guaranteeing the Hellenic Air Force and Allies high levels of Aviation Safety during Training & Testing of other systems.

An AW139 Helicopter of the Italian Coast Guard was also  present at the event. The AW139, the most successful international Multi-Role Helicopter programme since its certification in 2004, has established itself as a benchmark for Search and Rescue tasks with Military and Government Operators in several countries around the world and, in particular, the Mediterranean Area. The characteristics of high power and speed, large cabin space and modularity, highly-customised equipment, state-of-the-art Avionics, high certification and safety standards, a modern approach to Maintenance & Training have proved as fundamental in the missions of rescue in challenging environmental scenarios, such as Maritime and in all-weather conditions.

Another example of the excellence of Leonardo's Platforms is represented by the M-346 Master Aircraft for the Advanced Training of latest generation Fighter Pilots. The M-346, recently selected by Greece under a Government Agreement with Israel, flew for the first time under Hellenic Air Force markings in early April, is on its way to Airbase of Kalamata, home of the 120th Air Training Wing.

Leonardo's strong Partnership approach underpins the proposal for the Hellenic Navy's Corvette Programme, where, if selected, Leonardo will play the role of Systems Integrator for the Corvette's Combat Management System (CMS) and key Naval Sensors, Systems and Artillery. If Leonardo's Team is successful, the Partners are committed to supporting the development of the Greek Maritime Industry by building a solid foundation of advanced skills in the country. The company has already signed a number of Partnerships with potential Greek Suppliers, laying the foundation for long-term business relationships within the Greek National Industrial Ecosystem.

Further in the Naval field, Leonardo can draw on over 60 years of experience as a Strategic Partner of many International Navies. Its systems are aboard more than 1,000 Units worldwide and, in many cases, compromise more than 40% of a Ship's Components. Leonardo is currently one of the few companies with a complete offer for Sea Security, which includes Combat Management Systems (CMS), Naval Artillery, Torpedo and Missile Systems (through MBDA, 25% owned) as well as Sensors, Communication Systems Mission and Fixed- and Rotary-Wing Aircraft, Crewed or Remotely Piloted, specifically designed for Naval Applications.

Nexter Exhibits Different Versions of its VBCI PHILOCTETES and Product Range
At the beginning of April, Nexter was pleased to welcome a delegation from the Greek Army at the Canjuers Military Camp to present the PHILOCTETES through a demonstration of its capabilities: static and moving shots using its T40 Turret, Tactical Mobility on the camp's various terrains, and feedback from French Soldiers who have operated the VBCI (MkI) in external operations. This enabled representatives of the Greek Army to gain a detailed understanding of the solutions proposed by Nexter, in response to their future requirements in terms of Mobility, Protection, Modularity and Firepower.

One year ago, Nexter signed a Strategic Partnership with the state-owned company Hellenic Defence Systems specialised in the design, development and production of Weapon Systems. Today, Nexter and the company Saracakis are exploring the possibility of locating the Maintenance of the VBCI PHILOCTETES in Greece. Locating part of the Maintenance in Greece will allow a better availability of the equipment. This dynamics reflects the beneficial trickle-down effect to the Greek Industry and it strengthens the Franco-Greek Defence relationship.

PHILOCTETES refers to the Trojan War hero and keeper of the arrows of Heracles, essential to the Achaeans to bring down the city. The VBCI PHILOCTETES is an improved version of the 8x8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle already in service in the French Army Units. The PHILOCTETES integrates a 40mm Remotely Operated Turret similar to that of the JAGUAR, and an MBDA Akeron MP Anti-Tank Missile Pod. It covers a wide range of threats, from UAVs & Light Vehicles to aircraft & Main Battle Tanks. The VBCI can carry a full Infantry Combat Group and is available in several versions: Command Post, Medical Vehicle, Recovery Vehicle, or 120mm Mortar.

The 40CTA Gun also equips the new RAPIDFire Turret exhibited on the stand in Naval and Land Versions. This system already delivered to the French Navy provides a close-in protection capacity up to 4km particularly against Drones and Light Aircraft thanks to a dedicated ammunition. In addition, Nexter exhibited its range of 20, 25 and 30mm Medium Calibre Guns, in service on Land, Naval and Air Platforms, which equip the NARWHAL Turret Mounted on Greek Frigates and the VBCI MkI.

Nexter Arrowtech also presented its entire range of Medium and Heavy Calibre Ammunition: 105 and 155mm for Artillery; 120mm for Tanks; 81 and 120mm for Mortars; 20, 25, 30 & 40mm Medium Calibres; 84mm for the Infantry. Finally, Nexter Robotics showed its Nerva Range of Land Robots equipped with various Mission Kits including Reconnaissance and Counter-IED Kits.

Elbit Systems Presents Range of Solutions
Elbit Systems has recently completed a significant joint milestone with the Greek Air Force with the arrival of two of the M-346 Aircraft for the International Flight Training Center in Kalamata as well as the completion of the Training Infrastructure including 5th Generation Simulators for the Center.

Aerial & Ground Precision Guided Munitions: Elbit Systems displayed a portfolio of highly accurate Rockets including the 40km Accular, 150km EXTRA and 300km Predator Hawk. Also on display were the GATR (Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket), REST (Range Extension and Smart Tail) Guidance Kit for general purpose Warheads and SPEAR fully Autonomous, Vehicle-mounted 120mm Soft Recoil Mortar System for High-Mobility Platforms. The Precise & Universal Launching System, PULS, capable of launching a range of Rockets and Missiles, as well as local and foreign made rockets were also on display. The company offers state-of-the-art combat-proven General Purpose Bombs, delivering advanced capabilities with configurations for 500, 1000, and 2000-Pound Advanced Warheads. The MPR Family Bombs feature concentrated blast and controlled fragmentation for high strike probability with minimal collateral damage against a wide range of ground targets in open terrain.

Unmanned Aerial Systems - UAS: A Skylark 3 Tactical Mini UAS has upto 6 hours endurance, with a range of 100km, it  delivers ISTAR Capabilities to Division, Brigade & Battalion-levels. Battle-proven Skylark 3 has an Electric Engine and enables performance of Covert Operations and provides Real-time Intelligence during the day or night. The SkyStriker UAS fully Autonomous Loitering Munitions (LM) can locate, acquire & engage operator designated targets with a flexible warhead of up to 10 Kg installed inside the fuselage, enabling high-precision performance.  The UAS Operator can also abort the mission & recover the UAS. Its Electric Propulsion generates a low acoustic signature. As a silent, invisible & surprise attacker, SkyStriker delivers high performance precision & reliability, providing critical advantage on the Modern Battlefield.                                                               - Anita Mal Kaul