Nicosia, Cyprus. Metlen, through its defence arm M Technologies, has signed an exclusive partnership agreement with Cyprus-based Houtris to establish a joint company and develop defence industrial capabilities in Cyprus.
The companies said the partnership will support production, integration and maintenance of defence equipment, including military vehicles under the European Safe programme.
Joint company and production plans
The agreement provides for the establishment of a joint company in Cyprus and is intended to strengthen industrial cooperation between Greece and Cyprus in defence.
The new entity is expected to develop additional production capabilities in the Republic of Cyprus and expand the capacity of Cypriot industry to manufacture, integrate and support defence equipment.
Under the European Safe programme, the company will proceed with the production of military vehicles. The partners will also examine opportunities to produce, integrate, support and maintain defence systems in Cyprus and the wider region.
Industrial capabilities
The partnership combines M Technologies’ international experience, technical know-how and industrial capabilities with Houtris’ manufacturing experience in Cyprus.
It also includes the transfer of know-how, the development of specialist skills and measures to strengthen Cyprus’ defence industrial base. The companies said this would support the faster development of large-scale production capabilities for integrated defence systems.
They aim to establish a long-term presence in Cyprus, create an industrial footprint and generate added value for the Cypriot economy.
Company backgrounds
Metlen Energy & Metals, formerly known as Mytilineos, is a Greek industrial and energy multinational founded in 1990 by Evangelos Mytilineos.
M Technologies has worked on defence industrial programmes involving Patriot systems, Leopard tanks and sections of FDI HN, or Belharra, frigates. It also develops partnerships with international defence companies.
Houtris specialises in defence, special vehicles and integrated industrial solutions. It has developed, manufactured, integrated and provided technical support for specialised vehicles and defence systems for Cyprus’ ministry of defence, the national guard, the fire service and other government organisations in Cyprus and abroad.
Yiannis Houtris, chief executive of S. Houtris & Sons Ltd, said Cyprus has the expertise, experience and industrial base to play a meaningful role in the European defence industry.
