Last week, the DEFEA exhibition took place in Athens, Greece, dedicated to professionals from defense, security, military, police, emergency services, and related sectors. Alongside the official Czech Republic booth, companies from the CSG group—namely Tatra Export, MSM Group, Czechoslovak Export, and Excalibur Army—also showcased their offerings in a joint exhibition area.
The main attraction was the RM-70 Vampire rocket launcher by Excalibur Army, designed for fire support of ground forces. Notably, the Greek army already operates an older version of these rocket launchers. The presented model features advanced weapon control and guidance systems, including a fire-control system with a ballistic computer, inertial navigation and GPS systems, communication and data link technologies, and the capability to control the entire weapon system directly from the vehicle cabin or remotely. It uses proven 122 mm rockets, already in service with multiple armies including Greece, and now available in new high-performance variants capable of reaching distances up to 40 km—double the range of standard versions. The launcher carries a cluster of 40 rockets, with an additional 40 rockets stored in a reloading mechanism directly on the vehicle.
Excalibur Army also showcased, through digital presentations, a full range of its armored, engineering, and specialized vehicles, including the Patriot 4x4 and its firefighting variant, Triton. These vehicles hold significant potential for the Greek armed forces and emergency services, as they excel in challenging climatic conditions and rugged mountainous terrains typical for Greece.
Tatra Export represented Tatra Trucks at the exhibition, a manufacturer known for its medium and heavy logistic vehicles and chassis systems for weapon platforms. The exhibited RM-70 Vampire launcher was mounted on a Tatra Force 8x8 chassis featuring an armored Puma cabin in an extended four-door configuration. Tatra vehicles are widely used by NATO forces, with the Greek military already having extensive experience from previous versions of rocket launchers utilizing Tatra chassis.
Czechoslovak Export introduced a lightweight reconnaissance and observation drone, offered to Greece as an effective tool against the wildfires that cause extensive damage each year. This drone is suitable both for preventive monitoring of high-risk areas and for guiding and orienting firefighting and rescue teams during wildfire incidents.
The exhibition also featured presentations of medium and large-caliber ammunition for tanks, artillery, and mortars produced by MSM Group companies. Highlights included primarily 155 mm ammunition and various types of mortar shells. Furthermore, MSM Group, in collaboration with Greek partners, is preparing to establish a joint venture to produce large-caliber ammunition in Lavrio, Greece.
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