Naval Group Focusses on French-Hellenic Industrial Cooperation at DEFEA in Greece
At the third edition of DEFEA, the Athens Defence Exhibition in Greece organised by the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence, with the cooperation of the SEKPY, Naval Group showcased its full portfolio in pursuance of its close cooperation with the country. While the ongoing FDI (Defence and Intervention Frigate) programme for the Hellenic Navy is moving forward, with major milestones achieved this year, Naval Group’s exhibit included surface ships as well as drones and autonomous systems. The French-Hellenic industrial cooperation was the spotlight with several signatures of partnership agreements at the show.
Since the signature of the FDI HN contract in 2022, the long-lasting relationship between Naval Group and Greece has strengthened. More than 120 contracts have been signed with more than 60 Greek companies. As an example, several FDI blocks are built by Salamis Shipyards, the first shipyard outside of France to produce FDI blocks. This industrial plan has already had numerous and lasting economic benefits for the Hellenic industry by making it possible, beyond the FDI programme, to integrate Greek companies into Naval Group’s supply chain for current and future French and export programs. From that broad perspective, the Hellenic Defence Industrial & Technological Base (DITB) will enhance its position in the global naval defence market.
Established in May 2023 in Athens, the Naval Group Hellas subsidiary, which employs a majority of Greek technicians and engineers who benefit from a training and know-how plan, is the pillar of Naval Group’s long-term footprint in Greece. One of its activities is to support the development of the future Hellenic naval warfare capabilities through R&D projects with Hellenic companies, universities and research institutes. Naval Group is already a partner of several leading universities (NTUA, the University of Patras, Forth Research centre, and the Hellenic Naval Academy). This collaboration has already led to fruitful academic exchanges through European projects related to structure monitoring and maritime surveillance.