OVERVIEW
The regulatory landscape governing the defence and security sectors is complex and constantly evolving, shaped by proliferating EU secondary law, national legislation, and international obligations. It imposes strict compliance requirements, specialised contractual frameworks, and heightened scrutiny in areas such as public procurement, export control, and anti-corruption. Successfully navigating this landscape demands not only legal expertise but also deep industry understanding and practical experience.
With a multidisciplinary team of experts experienced in all aspects of defence – related legal practice areas, including M&A, public procurement, corporate and commercial law, tax, arbitration and state aid/FDI/FSR rules, we provide end-to-end legal support tailored to the demands of entities participating in the defence industry. Our expertise extends to advising on anti-bribery and corruption frameworks, tax structuring, and interactions with national and EU-level authorities.
We assist both domestic and international clients in the defence industry throughout the full lifecycle of their operations—from setting up cross-border JVs, benefiting from the appropriate funding, participation in public procurement procedures and contract negotiations, to regulatory and tax compliance.
Areas of expertise
Corporate and M&A advisory
Our relevant M&A team advises on mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures within the defence sector. From conducting due diligence on critical assets and public contracts to structuring efficient transaction models, we align deal strategy with regulatory imperatives. We also form and structure consortia and other alliances, ensuring strict compliance with all funding mechanisms and regulatory requirements.
Defence procurement
We assist clients throughout complex defence procurement processes, offering strategic bidding advice and comprehensive support in bid compilation, including project management and interface with contracting authorities. Our support extents to the negotiation of high-value and complex defence contracts. Our team guides clients throughout the contract lifecycle, from the execution stage to modification and implementation assisting also with contract management and compliance during the lifetime of contracts. Our team further advises on the use of local intermediaries for the marketing and/or sale of defense equipment and the respective formation of such agreements taking into consideration several prohibitions applicable under local regulation regarding the use of several intermediaries in the defense sector.
Regulatory & Tax Compliance
We offer advisory support on compliance with defense procurement and tax laws and assist with regulatory and tax issues related to defence transactions.
State Aid / FDI / FSR rules
Our Antitrust and Competition Law team has extensive experience in state aid matters in the defence sector while already applying the new EU and domestic framework for Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) and Foreign Subsidies (FSR) respectively.
Litigation
Our team provides strategic litigation support to defend or challenge procurement decisions. We represent clients before the competent administrative courts and are uniquely positioned in handling high-stakes disputes. We also represent clients in arbitration procedures with the Hellenic State.
Anti-Bribery & Corruption Compliance
We develop and help with the implementation of anti-bribery and anti-corruption policies and provide guidance on compliance with domestic regulations, as well as international standards. We monitor compliance with anti-bribery and anti-corruption regulations under Greek laws of defense procurement agreements and other defense related intermediary agreements and we propose specific clauses to bolster the effectiveness of these agreements. In addition, we review such agreements from the scope of international sanctions and AML assessment where necessary.
