Greece to produce VBCI Philoctetes infantry fighting vehicles through exclusive deal with France.

On 26 March 2025, KNDS France and the Greek company Metlen Energy & Metals signed an exclusive partnership agreement in Athens to enable the production of the VBCI Philoctetes infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) in Greece. This agreement includes the transfer of expertise in aluminium armour and the localized manufacturing of the VBCI Mk2 welded structure at Metlen’s facilities in Volos. According to both companies, this is the first time KNDS France has entered into a partnership of this scale for the production of 8x8 armoured vehicles. The collaboration is intended to meet the Hellenic Army’s requirement for a large number of infantry fighting vehicles and potentially other European clients. The agreement also aims to improve equipment availability by locating both production and maintenance capacities in Greece.
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The VBCI Philoctetes is equipped with a T40 remotely operated turret, which integrates a 40mm cannon with a maximum effective range of 2,500 metres and a rate of fire of up to 200 rounds per minute. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

As previously reported by Army Recognition on October 3, 2024, KNDS France representatives presented the Philoctetes and other armoured combat vehicle options to the Hellenic Army General Staff (GES). The proposal included the delivery of 200 new VBCI-2 units, 50 support variants (medical, artillery observation, and command), and 120 second-hand VBCIs from French Army stocks, for a total of 370 units. The same model was previously showcased during the Hellenic DEFEA 2021 defence exhibition and again in April 2023 during a live-fire demonstration and terrain mobility test at Canjuers camp in France, attended by Hellenic Army representatives.

The Philoctetes also participated in the "Olympic Cooperation 23" exercise in November 2023, where French Army VBCIs were tested alongside Greek Leopard 2 HEL main battle tanks. Their performance in terrain handling and mobility was observed and reviewed. In April 2022, KNDS France had signed a cooperation agreement with Hellenic Defense Systems (EAS), with the involvement of Saracakis, to provide for Greek participation in subsystem manufacturing, final assembly, and long-term support, if the Philoctetes is selected.

As part of the broader support ecosystem for the VBCI Philoctetes, Cypriot company Nemos Strategy LTD presented a proposal to the Hellenic Army General Staff on 22 January 2025. The proposal includes long-term maintenance and logistical support for the Philoctetes fleet, covering areas such as regular inspections, repair services, updates to electronic systems, and component replacements. Nemos Strategy LTD also proposed training Greek maintenance personnel to ensure that the vehicles can be supported domestically with maximum efficiency during extended operations. This proposal was part of ongoing discussions aimed at maintaining operational readiness and autonomy within the Hellenic Army.

The Philoctetes is an upgraded version of the VBCI (Véhicule Blindé de Combat d'Infanterie), which is the French Army’s only native 8x8 infantry fighting vehicle, developed by Nexter (now KNDS France). The VBCI has been in service with the French Army since 2008, replacing the AMX-10P introduced in 1973. A total of 630 vehicles have been delivered to France, including 510 infantry fighting variants (VBCI-VCI) and 120 command post versions (VBCI-VPC). The VBCI has been used in several external operations and continues to serve as France’s main combat vehicle in this category.

The VBCI Philoctetes, also designated VBCI MkII or VBCI-2, is based on the original VBCI platform but incorporates updates from operational experience. It has been specifically adapted to meet the requirements of the Hellenic Army, with the objective of increasing mission flexibility and modernizing its land forces. The vehicle features a modular architecture capable of accommodating different roles and turrets ranging from 25mm to 105mm, but is not amphibious. The variant proposed for Greece is equipped with a T40 remotely operated turret, which integrates a 40mm CTA (cased telescoped ammunition) cannon with a maximum effective range of 2,500 metres and a rate of fire of up to 200 rounds per minute. It also includes two Akeron MP anti-tank missile launchers and advanced fire control systems.

In addition to its firepower, the Philoctetes is equipped with a battlefield management-compatible electronics suite. The driver has access to a 180-degree day/night vision system, while the commander benefits from a 360-degree panoramic view. The vehicle's turret has a 360-degree traverse and can be fitted with protection levels up to STANAG 4569 Level 5. The light alloy hull and modular armour contribute to a combat weight of 31 tons, with a 13-ton payload capacity. Powered by a 600-horsepower engine, the vehicle is designed to operate effectively across diverse terrains and is air-transportable. Internally, it can accommodate a crew of three and up to eight or nine infantry soldiers, depending on configuration.

Metlen Energy & Metals, which is already involved in Leopard 2 tank production through KNDS Deutschland, brings over six decades of experience in heavy metal manufacturing. Its industrial facility in Volos has been active in the defence sector for more than 20 years, focusing entirely on exports. In 2024, Metlen announced the construction of a new advanced metal structures facility, expected to be operational by 2026, and the acquisition of two additional sites in the Volos Industrial Zone to support its role in this project.

This collaboration between KNDS France and Metlen Energy & Metals aligns with the objectives of the European Union’s ReArm initiative, which promotes regional defence self-sufficiency and localized production capabilities. The agreement is intended to enhance Greece’s industrial base while contributing to European defence manufacturing and job creation.

The earlier proposal from KNDS France included the delivery of 200 new VBCI-2 units, 50 support variants (medical, artillery observation, and command), and 120 second-hand VBCIs from French Army stocks, for a total of 370 units. (Picture source: KNDS France)