From small-arms ammunition to large-calibre artillery systems, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s UNIS “GINEX” d.d. Goražde has built its international business around a highly specialized part of the ammunition supply chain: initiators.
Speaking to Defensehere on the sidelines of First Balkan Shield 2026, Dženana Turković, General Manager of UNIS “GINEX” d.d. Goražde, said the company produces a broad range of primers, detonators and boosters for military and commercial applications.
GINEX’s portfolio covers initiators for calibers ranging from 9mm and 5.56mm to large-calibre systems, including 7.62mm variants, .50 calibre and other applications extending to calibers of up to 300mm.
The company currently has around 300 different types of initiators in its production program, serving different ammunition and propulsion requirements.
Beyond established products, GINEX has also developed a role as a development partner for international defense companies. Turković said customers increasingly approach the company to develop specialized initiators for products that are still in development, including smart ammunition, artillery ammunition and electrically initiated systems.
This capability is supported by GINEX’s own development centre and production infrastructure. The company can develop tooling, mechanical and chemical components and pyrotechnic elements, allowing it to take projects from development through to production.
The company also offers broader project know-how, including personnel training, equipment supply and installation, production of initial batches and performance verification.
A global export footprint
Founded in 1951, GINEX is an export-oriented manufacturer with more than 70% of its production destined for international markets.
Turković said the company’s products are now present across global markets, with the company exporting to 40 countries during 2026.
The company has also recently expanded its presence into Australia, adding another market to its international customer base.
GINEX operates with a mixed ownership structure, with 51% of its shares owned by the state and 49% publicly registered.
Its international reach reflects the specialized nature of its products, which are critical components within ammunition systems but require tightly controlled manufacturing and development processes.
For GINEX, First Balkan Shield provided an opportunity to present these capabilities to defense companies and delegations attending the Sarajevo exhibition, while reinforcing the role of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s established ammunition industry in international supply chains.
With hundreds of initiator variants already in production and an in-house development capability for new requirements, GINEX is continuing to position itself not only as a manufacturer, but also as a development partner for new-generation ammunition program.