The upgraded role of Greece in the geopolitical forefront of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans, as well as the “rebirth” of the Hellenic defence industry, will be a main focal of the international defence and security exhibition DEFEA – Defence Exhibition Athens 2023, which will take place from 9 to 11 May, in Athens Metropolitan Expo.

The participation of numerous diplomatic missions and 350 leading defence companies from 27 countries confirm that Greece is a point of reference for the region of Southeast Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Armenia, Austria, France, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, India, Israel, Italy, China, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia and the Czech Republic will participate with national stands, as well as the European Commission with the Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space. Independent entries include Belgium, Switzerland, Poland, Spain and Sweden. Hellenic Ministry of National Defence and Hellenic National Defence General Staff will participate with their own stands.

At the forefront

Geopolitical, economic and technological developments from the United States to China and from Russia to Iran, as well as the role of NATO, Europe and Greece in the constantly evolving landscape of security threats and challenges, will be a main focal and talking point among political, academic and military participants of DEFEA.

Within the framework of DEFEA, many national delegations, defence ministers and deputy ministers and Chiefs of Staff are expected to visit Greece. The participation of high-ranking political and military officials coincides with the official launch of Greece’s campaign for election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2025-26 period, which aims to expand Greece’s geopolitical footprint on the international stage.The fact that Greece is organizing one of the most important international defence and security exhibitions, at a time of tectonic changes that reshape the future, confirms Greece’s role a pilar of security and stability as well as a regional power.

Emphasizing on Hellenic defence industry

The framework of DEFEA was the subject of a detailed presentation to Defence Attaches and the diplomatic officials of foreign countries in a meeting held by the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence, while a working meeting took place with the executives of the exhibition organizers, ROTA SA. Deputy Minister, Mr. Hardalias conveyed the message that the country needs a robust defence industry that will serve as a catalyst for achieving strategic autonomy. Extroversion is still a main goal for Greek companies which are exploring new markets and participating in defence exhibitions worldwide.

Strengthening the Hellenic defence industry is a strategic goal of Hellenic government as Greece is investing in upgrading its defence capabilities. With exhibitors coming from more than 27 countries and delegation from at least 55 countries, DEFEA is a hub for cooperationamong the hundreds of representatives of the Greek and international defence community and the leaders of the global industry.

In the context of DEFEA, events and workshops will be organized with a focus on European and NATO initiatives like the European Defence Fund (EDF Cross-Project Conference) and NATO defence innovation initiatives, such as the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) and the NATO Innovation Fund.