International Defense Equipment Exhibition IDEX 2025: Dynamic Presence of the Greek Defense Industry in Abu Dhabi
Athens, March 14, 2025 – With nine (9) exhibiting companies from the defense industry, Greece participated in the International Defense Exhibition & Conference (IDEX), held under the auspices of the Ministry of National Defense (ΥΠΕΘΑ) and the General Directorate for Defense Equipment and Investments (ΥΠΕΘΑ/ΓΔΑΕΕ). The national pavilion was organized by the Hellenic Association of Aerospace Defense & Security Industries (Ε.ΕΛ.Ε.Α.Α.) and Enterprise Greece at the ADNEC exhibition center in Abu Dhabi, from February 17 to 21, 2025.
In addition to the nine Greek companies that participated as exhibitors, more than ten other Greek companies were hosted at the Greek pavilion, demonstrating the growing interest in future collaborations and exports in the defense sector. This dynamic participation highlights the steady progress and prospects of the Greek defense industry, which continues to strengthen its international presence and contribute to the further development of the sector.
The International Defense Equipment Exhibition IDEX 2025 focuses on the latest innovations in defense and security, bringing together leading organizations and companies from around the world. In parallel with IDEX, the NAVDEX exhibition was held, focusing on developments and innovations in the maritime and naval security sectors, showcasing modern systems and technologies for the sector. IDEX 2025 attracted over 130,000 visitors and 1,350 exhibitors from 65 countries, positioning it as one of the world’s leading platforms for showcasing advanced defense technologies and promoting collaboration between international defense entities. The exhibition is organized every two years.
The Greek pavilion was inaugurated by the Minister of National Defense, Mr. Nikos Dendias, accompanied by the Chief of the Hellenic Navy, Rear Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Katara, and the Ambassador of Greece to Abu Dhabi, Mr. Antonis Alexandridis. During their visit, they had the opportunity to meet and converse with representatives of Greek defense industry companies participating in IDEX 2025.
Greece’s participation in IDEX this year comes at a critical time for the Greek defense industry, which is undergoing a structural transformation and contributing to the modernization of the country’s armed forces. The Greek defense industry is strengthening its presence in the international market by investing in extroversion, innovation, and strategic collaboration with foreign companies. The strategy of the Greek defense industry focuses on developing competitive products that can be exported, aiming to reduce dependence on the import of defense materials.
IDEX 2025 once again proved the dynamic presence of the Greek defense industry on the international stage and the country’s continued strategy to enhance cooperation with international partners in defense and security.
Dr. Marinos Giannopoulos, CEO of Enterprise Greece, stated: “The Greek defense industry contributes significantly to national security and international defense markets, while our country, as a reliable EU member and NATO partner, plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region. In recent years, Greece has focused on modernization, advanced technology, and international cooperation within the armed forces, with total defense spending ranging from 6 to 8 billion euros annually. Promoting the defense industry is a strategic goal for Enterprise Greece to highlight the innovative technologies of Greece’s defense sector, promote strategic partnerships, and create new opportunities for investment and cooperation. Regarding defense and security cooperation with the UAE, it is stronger than ever.”
The President of HASDIG (Hellenic Association of Defense and Security Industries), Mr. Dimitrios Skalaeos, stated: “The dynamic presence of the Greek defense industry at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi highlighted once again the expertise, innovation, and extroversion of Greek companies. HASDIG continues to support Greek businesses in developing international partnerships and strengthening their competitiveness in the global defense market. Our participation in leading exhibitions like IDEX confirms the important role the Greek industry plays in defense and security. The national pavilion at the exhibition was under the auspices of the Ministry of Defense (ΥΠΕΘΑ) and the General Directorate for Defense Equipment and Investments (ΓΔΑΕΕ), which further enhanced the visibility and support of the Greek presence at IDEX 2025. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to our Minister, Nikos Dendias, for his continuous support and his significant role in strengthening the Greek defense industry. Also, many thanks to the General Director of ΓΔΑΕΕ, Brigadier General Ioannis Bouras, for his ongoing support of Greek companies, as well as to Dr. Marinos Giannopoulos and Enterprise Greece for their excellent organization and support of the Greek companies at the exhibition. Lastly, a big thank you to our Embassy in the UAE and Ambassador Antonis Alexandridis for their invaluable contribution to strengthening the Greek presence in the region.”
Brigadier General Ioannis Bouras, General Director of the Ministry of National Defense/ General Directorate for Defense Equipment and Investments, stated: “The General Directorate for Defense Equipment and Investments (ΓΔΑΕΕ) actively supports the Greek defense industry, promoting its participation in international exhibitions such as IDEX 2025. With our presence, we reaffirm our commitment to enhance the extroversion of Greek companies, facilitating networking, the development of strategic partnerships, and the showcasing of the expertise and innovative solutions they offer. The excellent organization by Enterprise Greece and the contribution of HASDIG were also crucial in ensuring the success of Greece’s participation.”