- The launch of Defence Exhibition Athens (DEFEA)
- 13-15 July 2021
By Chaitali Bag
Larnaca, Cyprus. 20 May 2021. The wait was long but not endless. And at a time when the ones who never missed hosting a single show have given them a miss due to COVID-19. 2020 post Singapore AirShow was a null and void year with Berlin and Farnborough going virtual and the others postponing their defence exhibitions and airshows to 2021. Amidst this uncertainty Greece returns to regularity, telling the world that its time to move ahead and revitalise the defence industry, create a platform for the buyer to showcase and the seller to procure and giving the world a stage to meet, greet and merge.
After a few postponements due to the pandemic Greece rises from the phoenix and gives a firm and final date to the DEFEA/ Defence Exhibition Athens. Defence Exhibition Athens (DEFEA) will take place in Athens, from 13 to 15 July 2021 at Metropolitan Expo. It is organised by ROTA SA and the Union of Greek Manufacturers of Defence Material (SEKPY) and is under the auspices of the Ministry of National Defence/GDDIA. In addition it also has the blessings of the Greek Ministry of Shipping with the support of the Hellenic Aerospace Security and Defence Industries Group (HASDIG) and the Hellenic Association of Space Industry.
DEFEA will open it’s doors to professionals from the Armed Forces and Security Services who will be able to see the best , latest and state-of-the-art arms and equipment used by the armed forces of the world. They will also get an insight into the innovations, futuristic technologies and developing defence industries locally, regionally and globally. The exhibition will take place at the Metropolitan Expo exhibition centre, at Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” which has a total exhibition space of 50,000 square metres.
The organisers have made a formal announcement, “We would like to inform you that DEFEA Organizers, in agreement with the Hellenic MoD – Ministry of National Defence and the Hellenic Manufacturers of Defence and Security Material Association (SEKPY), have taken the decision of transferring DEFEA from May 2021 to the new dates, from 13th to 15th of July 2021, in Athens, Greece. The decision to transfer DEFEA two months later, has as its main goal the formation of safer conditions for our exhibitors and visitors for the totally successful organization of the exhibition.”
With the East Mediterranean and the Middle East being perpetually volatile, geopolitically a hot bed of violence and terrorism, security and peace are the topmost priority for the region and who better that Greece to take on the leadership role. It’s strategic location that provides a gateaway for the EU and USA to Asia, Africa and the Middle East, makes it not only accessible but also an important base for joint operations and exercises. Other important factors are Greece’s bilateral and multilateral relationships which are good in the region and it’s strong military cooperation strategy.
DEFEA is offering a unique opportunity for exhibitors of the nation, region and from across the globe to showcase their latest technology, equipment and systems across land, sea and air. DEFEA’S strategic partner is SEKPY-Hellenic Manufacturers of Defence and Security Material Association representing more than 243 certified companies operating in the fields of defence and security.
The countdown to the exhibition has begun and we at Aviation & Defence Universe (ADU) are not only excited but also honoured to be media partners to the event. Keep reading and watching our coverage at https://www.aviation-defence-universe.com/.
