On the second day of the DEFEA 2025 exhibition in Athens, Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV) and the Greek company METLEN formalized a strategic partnership aimed at modernizing the Greek Armed Forces’ military truck fleet. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which took place on March 31, was celebrated yesterday at IDV’s exhibition booth, with IDV's CEO Eng. Claudio Catalano and METLEN’s Chief Corporate Affairs & Communications Officer, Vivian Bouzali, presenting the agreement. The MoU marks a key step in the collaboration between the 2 companies, with the aim of jointly participating in the modernization program of the military truck fleet - protected and unprotected - of the Greek Armed Forces. This program is part of the €25 billion investment plan recently announced by the Greek Ministry of Defense. More than just a commercial agreement, the MoU aims to foster technology transfer by IDV and strengthen METLEN's position within the European defense industry, creating value along the entire supply chain.

For IDV, this partnership will provide access to the Greek market and enhance its supply chain, integrating local manufacturing capabilities and improving efficiency in the supply of strategic components.

METLEN, with more than 27 years of experience in the defense industry, operates a large industrial hub in Volos, consisting of 5 specialized facilities, where components and structures for complex systems are manufactured, including LEOPARD 2HEL tanks, PATRIOT air defense systems, and PAPANIKOLIS-class submarines (Type 214). During the event, METLEN representatives emphasized the high level of technology found in IDV's Piacenza and Bolzano plants, particularly appreciating IDV's decision to minimize the use of welding, preferring the use of mechanical assembly techniques, such as riveting, which provide greater production flexibility and respond to the growing shortage of qualified welders.

Another strategic aspect reported by METLEN concerns IDV's ability to export its vehicles to highly regulated markets, such as Germany, confirming compliance with the most stringent quality and safety regulations and the competitiveness of IDV products at the European level.

The agreement between IDV and METLEN is part of a broader context aimed at reinforcing the European defense industry and represents a concrete opportunity for Greece to strengthen its domestic supply chain by attracting expertise and manufacturing capabilities. With this alliance, the two companies lay the groundwork for a long-term collaboration that aims not only to meet the needs of the Greek Armed Forces, but also to strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy and industrial resilience.

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