KNDS to Establish Repair Hub, Ammunition Production Factory in Ukraine

Franco-German defense firm KNDS (KMW+Nexter Defense Systems) will establish a facility in Ukraine to service and repair its equipment, and will also begin joint production of ammunition with the war-torn country.

"I met with representatives of French defense companies to discuss Ukraine's defense needs and the importance of expanding joint arms manufacturing in Ukraine," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated. "As a result, Ukrainian and French companies signed a license agreement to establish ammunition production under the KNDS France/Nexter license. They also signed statements of intent to set up a service and repair hub for KNDS France/Nexter equipment in Ukraine and to manufacture components using 3D printing."

KNDS and the Ukrainian company ENMEK signed two letters of intent. The first outlines the creation of a maintenance center for CAESAR self-propelled howitzers, while the second focuses on the 3D printing of spare parts. Additionally, a contract was finalized to establish the licensed production of 155-mm shells within Ukraine.

This announcement follows a March declaration by KNDS regarding the establishment of a Ukrainian subsidiary, a decision resulting from discussions between German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Minister Lecornu emphasized that the new KNDS facility would produce ammunition and spare parts for German and French armored vehicles and weapons systems currently in service with the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

The KNDS venture in Ukraine aims to ensure the rapid repair and maintenance of military equipment supplied by France and Germany. This includes providing spare parts for French Caesar wheeled self-propelled howitzers, AMX10RC armored fighting vehicles, German Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzers, and Leopard 2 main battle tanks. The focus is on prioritizing the production of frequently broken parts within Ukraine to streamline logistics, expedite repairs, and return equipment to the battlefield more swiftly.

Further enhancing this collaboration, it was reported that future Ukrainian staff of the KNDS factory will receive training in France later this year, ensuring they are well-equipped to manage and operate the new facilities effectively.

Earlier today, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that France will transfer Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine and may send trainers. The Kremlin has warned that no immunity will be granted to trainers. Macron's Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, has cautioned against a nuclear response if sovereignty is threatened and hinted at arming countries targeting Western interests.