The Franco-German armament group KNDS officially announces the establishment of a subsidiary in Ukraine this Friday, June 7, as reported by Le Figaro and BFM.
According to Le Figaro, KNDS is one of the leading European players in the field of ground armaments. The group manufactures artillery systems, combat tanks, and CAESAR howitzers, which France supplies to Kyiv.
This subsidiary will produce military equipment and ammunition on Ukrainian territory, stated French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius at the end of March.
As reported by BFM, representatives of KNDS France and the Ukrainian company ENMEK signed two memoranda of understanding, one for the establishment of a Caesar service center and the other for 3D printing of parts. Additionally, a contract for the transfer of licenses for the production of 155mm caliber shells to Ukrainian territory was officially executed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed that he met with representatives of the French defense-industrial complex. Military needs of Ukraine were discussed during the negotiations.
The head of state clarified that representatives of Ukrainian and French companies signed an agreement for the production of ammunition under the KNDS license.
Statements of intent were also signed to establish a service and repair center for KNDS France/Nexter equipment in Ukraine. The parties agreed to utilize 3D printing technology for manufacturing parts for this company.