Nexter has signed a strategic partnership with Hellenic Defence Systems (HDS) to meet the Greek Army’s requirement for modernised infantry fighting vehicles with the PHILOCTETES.
By joining forces with HDS, a state-owned company specialised in the design, development and production of weapon and missile systems, and ammunition, Nexter is offering a combat system that meets the highest quality standards and whose success will benefit Greek industry. This partnership fully contributes to the strengthening of the Franco-Greek relationship in the field of Defence.
Named PHILOCTETES in reference to the mythological hero of the Trojan War, this infantry combat system is a VBCI MkII, in its infantry combat vehicle version, equipped with a T40 turret. A benchmark in its field, the VBCI is an 8x8, 32-tonne vehicle that is highly modular thanks to its various versions (armored personnel carrier, command post, 120mm mortar, medevac and vehicle recovery), capable of carrying a 13-tonne payload, and engaged in all the French army's major operation theatres. During these engagements, Nexter has received important feedback and unanimous opinions from the soldiers who have gone into combat under the optimal protection of its armoured body. In addition, PHILOCTETES has a reinforced motorisation thanks to a new 600hp engine which ensures very high tactical, strategic and operational mobility.
In addition to these qualities, the firepower of the T40 turret can be added. The turret is remotely operated and equipped with the 40mm CTA gun and a MBDA medium range missile launcher (MMP). The 40 CTA, which already arms the French Army's JAGUAR EBRC turret, fires the various 40mm telescoped munitions that represent the future of medium-calibre munitions: high explosive, airburst, and arrow shells capable of piercing up to 140mm of armoured steel. As a result, the latest generation weaponry of the T40 turret offers the PHILOCTETES a response capacity to all modern land-based threats on the battlefield.
Therefore, PHILOCTETES perfectly meets the Greek Army's requirements for mobility, protection, modularity and firepower.
Nexter, the leading French land defense company and third European player in the ammunition sector is part of the KNDS Group. The scope of its business includes as well the supply of weapon systems and ammunition for air and naval forces. Nexter also provides systems and protection solutions in the field of homeland security. The group continues to apply its international development policy with several order intakes in 2020 intended for the export market.
In France, Nexter is fully committed to meeting the objectives of the SCORPION program, through the upgrade of the Leclerc tank and the development of the VBMR GRIFFON and EBRC JAGUAR vehicles within the temporary business venture between Nexter, Thales and Arquus, as well as the Lightweight VBMR SERVAL. The group's range of products also includes TITUS® and VBCI armored vehicles, CAESAR® and 105LG1 artillery systems, smart ammunition (BONUS), robots, many equipment, as well as customer service, support and revaluation.
KNDS’s 2020 turnover amounted to €2,4 billion.
Guillem Monsonis: g.monsonis@nexter-group.fr
Robin Lambert: r.lambert@nexter-group.fr
