German and French defense ministers, Boris Pistorius and Sébastien Lecornu, have announced plans for joint production of weapons and ammunition on Ukrainian soil following their meeting in Berlin.
The aim of this initiative is to provide Ukraine with necessary military equipment to deter potential Russian aggression. According to Minister Pistorius, this cooperation will strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.
KNDS, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of ground military equipment, plans to establish its subsidiary in Ukraine. The primary objective of this company will be to train local specialists and organize production of spare parts, particularly for existing military systems in the country.
Minister Lecornu’s remarks confirm that Ukraine was chosen as the site for such an enterprise not only due to its military security needs but also strategic advantages: proximity to the front line will reduce logistical costs and ensure more reliable supply chains.
At present, the timeline for commencing production remains undisclosed.
This decision follows prolonged diplomatic efforts and comes after a statement by the Chancellor of Germany and the President of France regarding the conclusion of the initiative for local production of spare parts, ammunition, and military equipment in Ukraine.
KNDS is a consortium formed in 2015 through the merger of French Nexter and German Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. The company specializes in manufacturing battle tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery systems. For instance, the “Caesar” howitzers supplied to Ukraine are also produced under the auspices of KNDS.
This collaboration will not only bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities but also enhance military-technical cooperation between the European Union and Kyiv. It is noteworthy that this will also enable Ukraine to develop its technological and manufacturing capabilities, thereby facilitating its integration into European security structures.