The documents were signed in Athens by Jiří Schönweitz, Managing Director of MSM Greece, and Christoforos Boutsikakis, Chief Executive Officer of Hellenic Defence Systems, and include the Articles of Association and a concession agreement. “Today’s signing marks a key milestone not only for our joint project with HDS, but also for strengthening Europe’s defence industrial base. Lavrio is becoming an important pillar of ammunition production for Greece, Europe and its allies,” said Jiří Schönweitz.
“We would like to thank everyone involved in making this venture possible, with special thanks to Hellenic Defence Systems for their trust, as well as to the Greek government and the relevant ministries for their forward-looking approach and recognition of the project’s potential,” Schönweitz added. “We are confident that, in the future, all those involved will look back with pride on this important step, which will help place the Greek defence manufacturing industry back on the world map where it belongs.”
“The restoration of large-calibre ammunition production in Lavrio is a strategic step for the Greek defence industry and for Europe’s security,” said Christoforos Boutsikakis, CEO of Hellenic Defence Systems. “The joint venture with CSG brings investment, modern technologies and know-how that will enable sustainable long-term development of capacities and the creation of hundreds of jobs.”
Under the agreements, MSM will assume managerial control of the Lavrio production site for 25 years, enabling an extensive investment and modernisation programme. Around 120 employees currently work at the facility, with a further 180 planned to be hired this year, bringing total employment to about 300 by year-end.
Large-calibre ammunition production is expected to operate in a multi-shift regime from 2026, with the plant already producing 155 mm ammunition and additional calibres planned during the year. A key technological milestone will be the launch of base bleed grain, or composite propellant, production in the second half of this year.
