From 6 to 8 May 2025, Naval Group participated in the third edition of DEFEA – Defence Exhibition Athens. 

Organised by the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence in cooperation with the Hellenic Manufacturers of Defence Materiel Association (SEKPY), DEFEA stands as a leading European defence event and a strategic meeting point for industry, government, and military stakeholders.

Naval Group’s presence this year underscored its enduring commitment to the Hellenic Navy and Greece’s defence ecosystem. As the ongoing FDI HN (Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention for the Hellenic Navy) programme progresses with major milestones achieved in 2025, Naval Group presented a comprehensive portfolio of advanced naval solutions. 

Visitors to Hall 2, booth 2D12 at the Metropolitan Expo in Athens had the opportunity to explore Naval Group’s capabilities across surface combatants, drones, and autonomous systems – tailored to meet the operational needs of modern fleets.

A central feature of Naval Group’s participation was the promotion of the robust French-Hellenic industrial cooperation, which has already resulted in over 120 contracts with more than 60 Greek companies, and continues to expand.

During the exhibition, Naval Group further reinforced its collaboration with the domestic industry through the signing of six new agreements under the Hellenic Industrial Participation (HIP) plan.

Four framework contracts were concluded to ensure long-term support of the FDI frigates within Greece. These agreements were signed with:

• FARAD S.A., for services related to HVAC systems using heat exchanger technology;
• DIVING STATUS, covering underwater inspection and maintenance operations;
• Melita Power Diesel, for diesel engine support;
• PETROS PETROPOULOS, for maintenance of diesel generators.

Beyond maintenance and support, Naval Group expanded its focus on naval innovation and the integration of unmanned systems. Two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to explore drone integration on current and future surface combatants. 

The first MoU, with ALTUS LSA S.A., aims to advance cooperation on the marinisation and deployment of UAVs aboard FDI frigates, Gowind corvettes, and other platforms. The second MoU, signed with the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI), opens a new chapter in naval counter-UAS capabilities through joint discussions on integrating the Centaur C-UAS system aboard the FDI and other vessels.

Through these agreements and its dynamic presence at DEFEA 2025, Naval Group reaffirmed its long-term commitment to enhancing Greece’s naval capabilities and to reinforcing the strategic industrial ties between France and Greece.

Also read: Naval Group | The newest member of SEKPY