With the help of a three-part action plan as part of the implementation of the war economy due to the Russian attack on Ukraine, the production of large-caliber ammunition in France is to be increased and accelerated. Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu made the announcement after a working session on February 22 at the Hôtel de Brienne, his official residence. The following steps are planned: 1. Change of location for storage and production locations, 2. Acceleration of production cycles and 3. Increase of production at European level.
On the subject of “relocation”, the minister informed the public that the Eurenco Group – according to its own information the European market leader for military explosives, engines and fuels – would be relocating powder production capacity for artillery ammunition to Bergerac in the Dordogne in southwestern France. Until now, the propellant powder for the 155 mm ammunition came either from Eurenco's Swedish branch or from suppliers in Germany and Italy. The manufacturer wants to invest 60 million euros for this, including 50 million euros in self-financing. By the first quarter of 2025, 1,200 tons of powder will be produced per year, resulting in 500,000 modular propellant charges, which corresponds to 95,000 shots. Lecornu described this company decision for greater national self-sufficiency as “historic”.
On the topic of “acceleration”, three goals in ammunition production were defined: 1. priority supply to Ukraine and allies in the fight against terrorism, 2. replenish one's own stocks and 3. gain larger export market shares. Two projects were awarded in the name of the President: Firstly,Ingénieur Général de Classe exceptionnelle (equivalent to four-star general)Monique Legrand-Larroche, Inspector General of the Armed Forces, was tasked with examining and, if necessary, optimizing everything related to the production and maintenance of the Caesar self-propelled howitzer in 155 mm caliber. Secondly, Laurent Collet-Billon, former general director of armaments and equipment, will propose solutions to increase the pace of production, in particular of MBDA France's Mistral light anti-aircraft missile and 155 mm grenades. “We,” said the minister, “produced 20 MISTRALs per month in 2022. In 2023, this number went to 30 and will rise to 40 in 2024.”
On the topic of “increase”, Lecornu referred to the fact that the production of the European anti-aircraft missile “Aster” currently takes 40 months. This period should be reduced to 18 months. “We,” said the minister, “succeeded in overcoming this challenge with Caesar, and we will succeed here too.” At the end of his press conference, he appealed to the “financial patriotism” of the French banks in order to benefit the defense industry to invest in the “security, sovereignty and strategic autonomy” of the country.
Gerd Portugall
Related topics
France shows its flag in the Indo-Pacific French Defense Minister reiterates military support in Kiev France increases defense spending by 7.3 percent Ukraine hosts drone hackathon German air defense system arrived in Ukraine Germany delivers four more self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine Germany supplies Marder and Patriot batteries to Ukraine - Bradleys come from the USA Chancellor Scholz is aiming for an air defense project with neighboring countries Ukraine – Federal government approves delivery of Gepard anti-aircraft tanks