First French-Greek Defense Innovation Symposium Marks New Partnerships
On December 12-13, 2024, the 1st French-Greek Defense Innovation Symposium was held in Athens, Greece. The event brought together members of the Greek and French Armed Forces, as well as business leaders and experts from sectors such as defense manufacturing, armored vehicle production, shipbuilding, robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence. The symposium resulted in several key collaborations.
According to an official statement from the Greek Ministry of Defense, the symposium’s highlights included:
- Greece’s acquisition of access to France’s cutting-edge Military Observation Satellite Program (CSO: Composante Spatiale Optique).
- A memorandum of cooperation signed between GDAEE (Greek General Directorate for Defense Investments and Armaments) and DGA (French Directorate General of Armament).
- Awards presented to Greek companies developing innovative technologies in unmanned systems control and management.
- Partnership agreements signed between companies specializing in defense industries, shipbuilding, robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence networks.
Strengthening Ties Between Greece and France
Speaking at the event, Greek Defense Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos emphasized the growing cooperation between Greece and France, stating:
“It is a great pleasure for me to be here today. This symposium represents an important step in the close collaboration between the Hellenic Defense Innovation Center (ELKAK) and the French innovation ecosystem. Events like these strengthen the bonds between two allied and friendly nations.
Greece and France share a historic friendship rooted in European ideals, democracy, and international law. These ties were solidified with the Greek-French Defense Agreement signed in September 2021. This agreement, which I take great pride in, is implemented through joint exercises, shared missions, and mutual support.”
Panagiotopoulos also highlighted the presence of the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the Eastern Mediterranean, accompanied by a Greek Navy frigate and submarine, as a symbol of this partnership. Additionally, he mentioned the Belharra frigate program, with components manufactured by Greek companies, and the ongoing Rafalefighter jet program as further evidence of the strong bilateral collaboration.
Greece Gains Access to France’s Advanced Military Satellite Program
As part of a €120 million agreement, Greece secured access to France’s Military Observation Satellite Program, which includes the advanced CSO satellites. These satellites, replacing the older Helios 2 models, operate in sun-synchronous orbit at altitudes of 800 km and 480 km. Capable of capturing high-resolution images—up to 20 cm—in both visible and infrared spectra, the satellites represent cutting-edge technology in military reconnaissance.
The CSO satellite network is expected to be fully operational with the launch of CSO-3, scheduled for February 2025.
This agreement was signed by Greek Defense Industry General Director Major General Ioannis Bouras and French Major General Gael Diaz De Tuesta, in a ceremony attended by Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias and French Ambassador to Greece Laurence Auer. The deal marks a significant step forward in Greek-French strategic relations.
