Agreement aims to co-develop and manufacture high-performance medium-caliber munitions in Ukraine.
During the 2nd EU–Ukraine Defense Industry Forum, Promoboronexport, a subsidiary of the Ukrainian Defense Industry JSC (formerly Ukroboronprom), signed a memorandum of understanding with KNDS Belgium SA. The agreement focuses on the joint development and production of high-performance medium-caliber munitions.
KNDS Belgium, part of the Franco-German KNDS group, manufactures a wide range of ammunition, including:
- Munitions for light armored vehicles, tanks, and infantry fighting vehicles (25–120 mm)
- Mortar and artillery shells
The KNDS group was formed through the merger of France's Nexter Systems S.A. and Germany's Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG (KMW).
This collaboration aims to bolster Ukraine's defense industry by integrating it into the global arms production network of NATO countries.
Previously, on October 1, 2024, KNDS established a subsidiary in Ukraine, KNDS Ukraine LLC, to enhance cooperation with Ukrainian government institutions and the local defense industry. Earlier, on June 7, KNDS signed two contracts with Ukrainian companies:
- With PJSC Kramatorsk Heavy Duty Machine Tool Building Plan (KZVV) for the joint production of 155 mm shells to meet the needs of the Ukrainian army.
- With Ukrainian company ENMEK to establish a maintenance unit for CAESAR self-propelled artillery systems, utilizing 3D printing technology for rapid spare parts production.
