The VBCI PHILOCTETES armored infantry fighting vehicle was jointly presented by METLEN and KNDS at the Eurosatory 2026 international defense exhibition, taking place in Paris.

The presentation took place at the KNDS booth, in the presence of representatives of the French armed forces, defense industry executives, institutional representatives, as well as representatives of Greek and international media.

According to the two companies, the VBCI PHILOCTETES is the new version of the French 8×8 wheeled armored infantry fighting vehicle and is part of the broader industrial cooperation developedby METLEN and KNDS France.

Their joint presence at Europe’s largest exhibition defense and security exhibition marks, as noted, the strengthening of Greek industry’s participation in international defense programs and European collaborations. A central role in this collaboration is played by METLEN’s M Technologies Hub in Volos, which serves as the company’s primary industrial infrastructure in the defense sector.

The Chief Executive Director of METLEN’s M Technologies, Vasilis Tsiamis, stated that strengthening Europe’s defense industrial base is a fundamental prerequisite for Europe’s security and strategic autonomy. As he noted, M Technologies has over 25 years of experience in international defense programs and has developed significant expertise and production capabilities in critical defense systems.

He described the collaboration with KNDS on the VBCI PHILOCTETES as a strategic partnership based on the long-standing cooperation between the two sides and a shared vision for the development of the Europeandefense industry.

For his part, the CEO of KNDS France, Nicolas Groult, spoke of a new example of industrial cooperation between Greece and France. As he noted, the joint effort by the two companies reflects a long-term industrial commitment, while also expressing the view that PHILOCTETES could serve as a starting point for the production of other land-based defense systems at M Technologies’ facilities in Volos.

It should be noted that in April 2025, METLEN and KNDS France signed an exclusive cooperation agreement for the production of the VBCI PHILOCTETES. The agreement includes the transfer of know-how in the manufacture of aluminum armor, as well as the development of production capabilities in Greece for the manufacture and assembly of the VBCI Mk2 vehicle.

METLEN has been active in the defense sector for more than 25 years, participating in international programs and partnerships. The M Technologies Hub in Volos is currently one of the most important industrial centers for the production of composite metal structures and defense systems in the wider region, with an export-oriented focus and participation in programs of international scope.