Athens, Greece / London, United Kingdom – 23 July 2026 – METLEN, through M Technologies, has signed an Exclusive Partnership Agreement with Cyprus-based HOUTRIS to develop new industrial capabilities in defence systems in the Republic of Cyprus.
The agreement provides for the establishment of a joint company in Cyprus and further strengthens strategic industrial cooperation between Greece and Cyprus in defence. It is intended to build additional production capabilities in the Republic of Cyprus and expand the Cypriot industry’s ability to manufacture, integrate and support defence equipment.
The partnership will bring together M Technologies’ international experience, know-how and advanced industrial capabilities with Houtris’ long-standing industrial expertise and manufacturing capabilities in Cyprus. It also provides for the transfer of know-how, the development of specialist skills and the further strengthening of Cyprus’ defence industrial base, supporting the faster development of large-scale production capabilities in integrated defence systems.
Under the European SAFE programme, the new entity will move ahead with the production of military vehicles. The two companies will also explore further opportunities to produce, integrate, support and maintain defence systems in Cyprus and the wider region, with the aim of establishing a long-term presence in the country, a tangible industrial footprint and meaningful added value for the Cypriot economy.
M Technologies is METLEN’s defence arm and has significant experience in delivering complex defence industrial programmes. It contributes to the production and support of advanced defence systems, including Patriot systems, Leopard tanks and sections of the FDI HN (Belharra) frigates, while developing strategic partnerships with leading international defence companies.
Vassilis Tsiamis, Chief Executive Director of M Technologies, said: “Strong industrial capabilities in Europe are essential to security, competitiveness and strategic autonomy. This agreement is an important step in that direction and creates a new model of industrial cooperation between Greece and Cyprus. Our aim is to support the further development and faster expansion of the Republic of Cyprus’ defence industrial capabilities through the transfer of know-how, the development of specialist local skills and the use of existing capabilities within Cypriot industry.”
HOUTRIS is an established industrial company in the Republic of Cyprus, specialising in defence, special vehicles and integrated industrial solutions. The company has significant experience in the development, manufacture, integration and technical support of specialised vehicles and defence systems, having delivered complex projects for the Ministry of Defence, the National Guard, the Fire Service and other government organisations in Cyprus and abroad. It is also developing strategic partnerships with leading international manufacturers and defence companies, further strengthening its position as a strategic industrial partner in the Republic of Cyprus’ defence sector.
Yiannis Houtris, CEO of S. Houtris & Sons Ltd, stated: “Cyprus now has the know-how, experience and industrial base to play a meaningful role in the European defence industry. HOUTRIS has long worked towards this objective, investing continuously in the development of people, know-how and industrial capabilities in the Republic of Cyprus. This strategic initiative is another important step towards strengthening Cyprus’ defence industrial base, creating the conditions for sustainable growth, technological development and the establishment of Cyprus as a reliable industrial partner in the European defence industry.”
The initiative is aligned with European priorities to strengthen the European Union’s defence industrial base and make use of new financing and industrial tools designed to promote European strategic autonomy and resilience.
