The Metlen Energy & Metals presented the PHILOCTETES 8×8 infantry fighting vehicle in DEFEA – Defence Exhibition Athens 2025 and is preparing to submit a proposal to the Hellenic Armed Forces, investing in production and know-how with a European dimension. The Metlen counts its first participation in the major defense exhibition DEFEA this year, after years when its defense activities, through the ΜΕΤΚΑ, remained in obscurity. Metlen participated this year with two impressive booths to gain impressions, while, according to information from BD, in the immediate future, Metlen and KNDS are expected to submit a bid to the Hellenic Armed Forces for the PHILOCTETES armored vehicle.
PHILOCTETES refers to the Trojan War hero and keeper of the arrows of Heracles, essential to the Achaeans to bring down the city. The VBCI PHILOCTETES is an improved version of the 8×8 infantry fighting vehicle already in service with the French army. PHILOCTETES integrates a 40mm remotely operated turret similar to that of the JAGUAR, and an MMP anti-tank missile pod. It covers a wide range of threats, from UAVs to aircraft, from light vehicles to main battle tanks. The VBCI can carry a full infantry combat group and is available in several variants: command post, ambulance, or recovery vehicle. The VBCI has been used by the French army for more than 10 years in external operations, and it is being continuously developed ever since.
The véhicule blindé de combat d’infanterie (English: armoured infantry fighting vehicle) or VBCI is a French Infantry fighting vehicle designed and manufactured by GIAT Industries (now Nexter Systems) and Renault Trucks Defense (now Arquus) to replace the AMX-10P. The VBCI is built on an aluminium hull which carries a modular THD steel and titanium armour that can be replaced in the field. The 8×8 wheeled design was chosen to make the VBCI more comfortable as well as easier and less costly to maintain on war theaters than a tracked vehicle would be, while giving it sufficient mobility to complement the main battle tank.
METLEN has a proven track record in the defence sector, having been a trusted industrial partner for KNDS Deutschland for the last 23 years. Its Volos-based production facility is already responsible for shielding welding of the LEOPARD 2 MBT. With this latest collaboration, METLEN is further strengthening its footprint in the European defence initiatives. The geopolitical landscape and the need for increased European defence autonomy necessitates a rapid reinforcement of the continent’s defence capabilities. The European rearmament drive (ReArm) underlines the importance of localized defence production and industrial self-sufficiency.
