METLEN, through its subsidiary M Technologies, is expanding its presence in the European defense industry by entering into a strategic partnership with Cypriot company HOUTRIS. The two parties have signed an Exclusive Cooperation Agreement, which provides for the establishment of a joint venture in the Republic of Cyprus and the development of a military vehicle production line. The initiative is part of broader European efforts to strengthen the defense industrial base, and aims to boost industrial cooperation between Greece and Cyprus while creating new production capabilities and expertise.
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The agreement marks yet another step in METLEN’s strategy to establish a stronger foothold in the defense sector, leveraging M Technologies’ experience in complex industrial programs and HOUTRIS’s expertise in the manufacture of specialized vehicles and defense systems.
METLEN: Joint venture and military vehicle production
The partnership provides for the establishment of a joint venture company in Cyprus, combining the international expertise of M Technologies with the industrial experience of HOUTRIS in the Cypriot market.
The two companies plan to facilitate technology transfer, develop specialized skills, and strengthen the local defense industry, laying the groundwork for the large-scale production of integrated defense systems.
In parallel, the new production line will be integrated into the European SAFE program, taking on the manufacture of military vehicles. The two parties are also exploring an expansion of their cooperation to cover the production, support, and maintenance of defense systems both in Cyprus and the broader region, with the aim of establishing a permanent industrial footprint in the Cypriot economy.
Strengthening the European defense industry
M Technologies, the defense arm of METLEN, brings significant experience in the production and support of advanced weapons systems. Its portfolio includes participation in programs for the Patriot air defense systems, Leopard main battle tanks, and the construction of components for the FDI HN (Belharra) frigates, while the company also collaborates with major international defense manufacturers.
The Chief Executive of M Technologies, Vassilis Tsiamis, stated: “Developing strong industrial capabilities in Europe is a prerequisite for security, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy. Today’s agreement marks a significant step in that direction, establishing a new model of industrial cooperation between Greece and Cyprus. Our goal is to contribute to the further development and accelerated expansion of the Republic of Cyprus’s defense industrial capabilities, through technology transfer, the development of specialized local skills, and the utilization of existing Cypriot industrial capacity.”
For its part, HOUTRIS, which operates in the fields of defense, specialized vehicles, and industrial solutions, brings extensive experience in the development, manufacturing, and technical support of specialized vehicles and defense systems, having delivered projects for the Ministry of Defense, the National Guard, the Fire Service, and other public sector organizations in Cyprus and abroad.
The CEO of S. Houtris & Sons Ltd, Yannis Houtris, emphasized: “Cyprus now has the expertise, experience, and industrial base to play a meaningful role in the European defense industry. HOUTRIS has long been working toward this goal, continuously investing in the development of human capital, technical know-how, and industrial capabilities in the Republic of Cyprus. This strategic initiative represents another important step in strengthening Cyprus’s defense industrial base, creating the conditions for sustainable growth, technological advancement, and the establishment of Cyprus as a credible industrial partner within the European defense industry.”
This initiative aligns with the European Union’s priorities for strengthening the defense industrial base, making use of the new financial and industrial instruments that promote the strategic autonomy and resilience of the European defense industry.
