Belgium has inaugurated a new automated production line for 155 mm artillery shells at KNDS Belgium, expanding both national and European munitions manufacturing capacity. The new Large-Calibre Machining and Banding Unit (UCGC) adds a third line to the company’s existing facilities amid sustained demand for ammunition.
Belgian Minister of Defence Théo Francken stated that domestic production is intended to reinforce strategic autonomy. “One production line, two benefits: autonomy and jobs. By manufacturing our ammunition ourselves we keep the economic value added here and gain strategic strength. In 2026, with our CAESAR howitzers ready for use, we will be firing Belgian munitions,” he said during the ceremony.
Walloon Minister for Economy, Industry and Employment Pierre-Yves Jeholet described the new unit as evidence of the company’s technical capabilities and growth trajectory.
KNDS Belgium Director Jean-Michel Girard said the company will allocate a significant share of the line’s early output to the Belgian Armed Forces. “In 2026, nearly six months of production will be dedicated to shells for the Belgian Defence. This is a great source of pride for our company, which has been serving the Land Force for almost 90 years. We maintain a constructive and ongoing dialogue with Defence on technical, conceptual and operational levels. This investment generates workload while supporting our innovation dynamic and skills development. Many projects are still to come,” he said.
Girard also underlined the strategic value of maintaining national expertise in medium and large-caliber ammunition production. KNDS Belgium employs roughly 350 personnel.
Major-General Filip Borremans, National Director of Armaments, said the new facility strengthens both national readiness and European interoperability. “The start-up of this automated 155 mm shell production line in Belgium marks a crucial step in strengthening our strategic autonomy, both nationally and at the European level. This robust and scalable production capability contributes not only to our operational readiness and our interoperability within NATO, but also to the resilience of the European defence industry,” he said.
📌 Belgium has opened a new automated 155 mm artillery shell production line at KNDS Belgium to boost national and European munitions capacity.
🔗 https://t.co/1H5W5E7Dmf@KNDS_France pic.twitter.com/iXa7qLY1B5
— Defensehere (@defensehere_en) November 5, 2025