METLEN Energy & Metals has entered into an exclusive partnership with KNDS France for the production of the French latest generation of 8×8 Infantry Fighting armoured Vehicle, VBCI PHILOCTETES® marking a significant milestone in European defence industrial cooperation.

This is the first time that the French leader in land defence has signed such an ambitious agreement for 8×8 armoured vehicles. This exclusive alliance will involve the transfer of know-how concerning aluminium armour and the local production of the VBCI Mk2 welded structure. This strategic industrial agreement is designed to meet the Hellenic Army’s operational requirement for a large number of 8×8 infantry fighting vehicles as well as that of other European armies. By locating key manufacturing and maintenance operations within Greece, the partnership enhances equipment availability. This dynamic also reflects the beneficial trickle-down effect to the Greek industry and strengthens the Franco-Greek defence relationship.

PHILOCTETES®: A powerful, standalone and complete combat system

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.

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