Inauguration of a new 155 mm artillery-shell production unit at KNDS Belgium: A major strengthening of Belgian and European industrial capacity
Inauguration of a new 155 mm artillery-shell production unit at KNDS Belgium: A major strengthening of Belgian and European industrial capacity
The Belgian Minister of Defence, Mr. Théo Francken, today inaugurated a new Large-Calibre Machining and Banding Unit (UCGC) at the defence company KNDS Belgium. The facility includes an automated production line for 155 mm artillery shells, intended to strengthen the group’s industrial capacity — which already included two production lines — amid strong demand for munitions.
“One production line, two benefits: autonomy and jobs. By manufacturing our ammunition ourselves we keep the economic value added here and gain strategic strength. In 2026, with our CAESAR howitzers ready for use, we will be firing Belgian munitions,” Minister Francken said during the ceremony.
Alongside the Minister of Defence, the Walloon Minister for Economy, Industry and Employment, Mr. Pierre-Yves Jeholet, praised “this new production tool, a genuine demonstration of KNDS Belgium’s teams technological expertise, within a rapidly growing company.”
Mr. Jean-Michel Girard, Director of KNDS Belgium, stressed:
“In 2026, nearly six months of production will be dedicated to shells for the Belgian Defence. This is a great source of pride for our company, which has been serving the Land Force for almost 90 years. We maintain a constructive and ongoing dialogue with Defence on technical, conceptual and operational levels. This investment generates workload while supporting our innovation dynamic and skills development. Many projects are still to come.”
He also recalled “the importance for Belgium of having a major national player in the field of medium and large-caliber munitions. With 350 employees, KNDS Belgium is a key player in Belgium’s defence industrial and technological base, and a globally recognised partner.”
Finally, Major-General Filip Borremans, National Director of Armaments, confirmed: “The start-up of this automated 155 mm shell production line in Belgium marks a crucial step in strengthening our strategic autonomy, both nationally and at the European level. This robust and scalable production capability contributes not only to our operational readiness and our interoperability within NATO, but also to the resilience of the European defence industry.”
Press contact
Guillem Monsonis
Téléphone: + 33 7 63 06 63 57
E-Mail : guillem.monsonis@knds.fr
Gabriel Massoni
Phone: +33 7 64 266 37 88
E-Mail : gabriel.massoni@knds.fr
KNDS France
13 route de la minière
78034 Versailles
www.knds.fr
About KNDS
KNDS is the result of the association of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Nexter, two of the leading European manufacturers of military land systems based in Germany and France.
KNDS forms a Group of more than 10,000 employees, with a 2024 turnover of 3.8 billion euro, an order backlog of around 23.5 billion euro and incoming orders of 11.2 billion euro. The range of its products includes main battle tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, weapons systems, ammunition, robotics, military bridges, customer services, battle management systems, training solutions, protection solutions and a wide range of equipment.
The formation of KNDS represents the beginning of consolidation in land defense systems industry in Europe. The strategic alliance between KMW (now KNDS Deutschland) and Nexter (now KNDS France) enhances both groups’ competitiveness and international positions, as well as their ability to meet the needs of their respective national army. In addition, it offers to its European and NATO customers the opportunity of increased standardization and interoperability for their defense equipment, with a dependable industrial base.
KNDS headquarters are based in Amsterdam.
