KNDS will set up a unit in Ukraine that will work with local firms to set up equipment maintenance, manufacture spare parts using additive manufacturing and produce 155 mm artillery shells.

KNDS anticipates establishing the unit in Ukraine later in June, Chairman Philippe Petitcolin said on the sidelines of a signing ceremony in Paris attended by Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French Defence Minister, Sebastien Lecornu, and KNDS France CEO, Nicolas Chamussy.

Ukraine operates 386 pieces of KNDS equipment, particularly Leopard tanks and Caesar howitzers. The company still has 250 pieces to deliver based on orders received, which translates to a requirement for lots of support.

KNDS France CEO Chamussy signed letters of intent with Ukraine’s ENMEK to set up a maintenance center for Caesar howitzers and for 3D printing of spare parts as well as a contract with KZVV to transfer production of 155 mm shells.

The maintenance center won’t require any French technicians, as Ukraine is already handling Caesar maintenance with replacement parts shipped from France.

KNDS France is currently producing one Caesar truck-mounted howitzer a week, according to the company, which is on track with plans to lift the manufacturing pace to six per month from four.

According to reports, KNDS plans to start ammunition manufacture with its local Ukrainian partner within 12 months. In a next step, the company could start manufacturing system modules or even entire systems in Ukraine.

Also read: KNDS | Qualification of new SHARD 120 mm APFSDS-type tank ammunition