SEKPY | Successful Completion of the “Hellenic Shield: Advancing Defence Technology 2025” Event in Brussels
Defence Redefined
Published on 22/01/2025 at 18:31

The Hellenic Manufacturers of Defence Materiel Association (SEKPY) is proud to announce the successful completion of the “Hellenic Shield: Advancing Defence Technology 2025” event, held at the Residence Palace in Brussels.

For the second consecutive year, this flagship initiative of SEKPY provided a dynamic platform to showcase the innovation, expertise, and collaborative potential of Greece’s defence ecosystem while strengthening ties with key European stakeholders.

The event, which underscored Greece’s commitment to positioning its defence industry at the forefront of technological innovation at the heart of Europe, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, defence experts, and academics, creating an unparalleled opportunity to highlight the achievements and capabilities of Greek defence entities.

Participants included leading Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), research institutions, and universities, all of which demonstrated their contributions to advancing Greece’s role in the broader European defence framework.

The event commenced with a series of welcome addresses and opening remarks from prominent figures representing the pillars of Greek and European defence and innovation. 

Mr. Anastasios Rozolis, President of SEKPY, set the tone by emphasising the importance of showcasing Greece’s defence capabilities on the European stage.

He was joined by His Excellency Ambassador Ioannis Vrailas, Permanent Representative of Greece to the European Union, and Major General Ioannis Bouras, General Director of the General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments (GDDIA), both of whom highlighted Greece’s growing presence and contributions to international defence initiatives.

Adding to the discourse, Mr. Spiros Pappas, President of the ARGO NETWORK, stressed the value of collaboration across sectors, while on behalf of Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Mrs. Anna Panagopoulou, Head of his Cabinet, explored the intersection of defence innovation and sustainability. 

Finally, Mr. Simonas Satunas, Head of Cabinet for Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, Defence and Space at the European Commission, underscored the strategic alignment between Greece and Europe’s broader defence and space ambitions.

Keynote speeches further enriched the event, including insights from Mrs. Vasiliki Gounari, Greece’s Representative to the Political and Security Committee, on the growing presence of the Greek defence ecosystem in the EU. 

Mr. Krastio Preslavsky, Deputy Head of Unit DEFIS.A.2 at the European Commission, provided updates on the European Defence Fund, while Captain (Eng) Dimitrios Filiagkos of GDDIA detailed Greece’s accomplishments in EDF work programs from 2021 to 2024.

Mrs. Eleni Patouni from the European Defence Agency delved into Greece’s advancements in space research and technology, and Mr. Vasileios Tsiamis of Ernst & Young shed light on securing EU funding and incentives for defence innovation.

In the second session, Mr. Jan Pie, Secretary General of ASD, led the spotlight on esteemed organisations and entities from Greece, with representatives from companies, universities, and research centres presenting their cutting-edge technologies and solutions, underscoring the collaborative and innovative strength of the Hellenic defence ecosystem.

Further on, keynote speakers discussed a wide range of topics, including Greece’s presence within the European Union’s defence framework, developments in the European Defence Fund, and advancements in space research and technology spearheaded by the European Defence Agency.

 Presentations also provided an in-depth analysis of Greek participation in EDF work programs, showcasing the country’s achievements and ambitions for the future.

The event featured presentations from prominent organisations and institutions representing the Hellenic defence ecosystem, including the Hellenic Centre of Defence Innovation, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the International Hellenic University, the Thessaloniki Innovation & Technology Centre, the Athena Research Centre, FORTH—the Foundation for Research and Technology, the Institute of Computer Engineering Sciences, the ICCS—Institute of Communication and Computer Systems, and the Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH).

Leading companies—Members of the Association, such as RAYMETRICS, ETME, KYNOSOURA Shipyards, AKMON, WINGS ICT, SEEDERS, IKH, SATWAYS, EMISIA, DELIAN ALLIANCE, QUALCO, and SPACE HELLAS—showcased their innovative projects and technologies, further solidifying Greece’s reputation as a leader in the defence sector.

With a clear focus on fostering collaborative opportunities, “Hellenic Shield” reinforced Greece’s commitment to contributing to the security and technological advancement of Europe. The event created new avenues for partnerships, research collaborations, and participation in international defence programs.

In this context, SEKPY remains committed to driving growth within Greece’s defence sector and promoting its integration into the global defence landscape. As the curtain closes on this year’s event, SEKPY looks forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.

Also read: SEKPY | 2nd European Conference “Skills in the EU Defence Ecosystem”

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