METLEN’s defence arm, M Technologies, and Cyprus-based HOUTRIS have signed an exclusive partnership agreement to set up a joint company in Cyprus that will manufacture military land vehicles, funded under the EU’s SAFE programme.
SAFE requires projects to involve collaboration with at least one other member state. Cyprus has already finalised its list of defence projects for evaluation under the scheme, with officials pointing to Cypriot companies developing drones and telecommunications systems. Cyprus is separately preparing a joint programme with Greece to develop and co-produce a combat drone under the same EU funding framework. The METLEN-HOUTRIS agreement adds a second track to that effort, focused on land vehicles rather than drones.
The two companies said the joint venture would expand Cyprus’ capacity to manufacture, integrate and support military equipment, and that they intended to explore further work producing, integrating and maintaining defence systems in Cyprus and the wider region.
M Technologies, which is METLEN’s defence arm, said it has previously worked on production and support for Patriot missile systems, Leopard tanks and sections of the FDI HN (Belharra) frigates, and has partnerships with other international defence manufacturers.
Vassilis Tsiamis, Chief Executive Director of M Technologies, said: “Strong industrial capabilities in Europe are essential to security, competitiveness and strategic autonomy. This agreement is an important step in that direction and creates a new model of industrial cooperation between Greece and Cyprus. Our aim is to support the further development and faster expansion of the Republic of Cyprus’ defence industrial capabilities through the transfer of know-how, the development of specialist local skills and the use of existing capabilities within Cypriot industry.”
HOUTRIS, the Cyprus-based partner in the deal, has previously supplied vehicles and equipment to Cyprus’ Ministry of Defence, National Guard and Fire Service, as well as government bodies abroad. The company said it works in defence, special vehicles and industrial solutions, and has partnerships with international manufacturers.
Yiannis Houtris, CEO of S. Houtris & Sons Ltd, said: “Cyprus now has the know-how, experience and industrial base to play a meaningful role in the European defence industry. HOUTRIS has long worked towards this objective, investing continuously in the development of people, know-how and industrial capabilities in the Republic of Cyprus. This strategic initiative is another important step towards strengthening Cyprus’ defence industrial base, creating the conditions for sustainable growth, technological development and the establishment of Cyprus as a reliable industrial partner in the European defence industry.”
Both companies described the agreement as part of a wider goal of building a lasting defence-manufacturing presence in Cyprus, in line with EU efforts to expand Europe’s defence industrial capacity and reduce reliance on non-European suppliers.
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