CSG said the awards confirm growing demand from European customers for strategically important components. The company also said they underline the importance of resilient supply chains within the European defence industry.
“These contracts confirm that CSG is among the key European players in large-calibre ammunition and a manufacturer of critical components. Fuzes are strategically important and a technologically demanding component of artillery ammunition. Fuchs Electronics Europe will play an important role in fulfilling these contracts, combining Fuchs’ technological know-how with CSG’s industrial base in Slovakia. Through this business, we will strengthen the European manufacturing base and increase the availability of electronic fuzes for customers from NATO member countries as well as other European ammunition manufacturers,” said Jan Marinov, CEO of CSG Defence Systems division.
The fuze is a critical component of every artillery shell. It determines when and how detonation is initiated.
In modern artillery ammunition, including 155 mm rounds, fuzes play an essential role in the munition’s effect, accuracy and reliability. They also support deployment across different operational scenarios.
Modern electronic fuzes enable several modes of operation. These include impact detonation, delayed detonation, timed detonation and airburst at a precisely defined altitude above the target.
Compared with mechanical fuzes, electronic fuzes provide greater accuracy, more flexible use and improved compatibility with modern fire control systems. Their production requires specialised know-how, precision electronics, a qualified industrial base and strict quality control processes.
“Today, the European defence industry needs to increase capacity not only in ammunition production itself, but also in the production of its most important components. This is why CSG is investing in vertical integration, technological know-how and the localisation of production in Europe. Our goal is to strengthen the ability of European countries to replenish stocks of modern ammunition and to remain a reliable partner to the armed forces of NATO member states,” Marinov added.
CSG said Fuchs Electronics Europe will be established together with South Africa’s Reunert. Through the investment, CSG said it will become one of the few European manufacturers of electronic fuzes.
The establishment of Fuchs Electronics Europe remains subject to customary regulatory and closing conditions. Production will take place at the ZVS holding site in Dubnica nad Váhom in Slovakia, using CSG’s existing industrial infrastructure.
The new business will operate as an independent manufacturer of electronic fuzes. It will supply products not only to CSG, but also to other European producers of large-calibre ammunition.
The technology partner for the business is Fuchs Electronics, part of Reunert. CSG said Fuchs Electronics is a globally respected manufacturer of electronic fuzes with more than 60 years of experience in the field.
Fuchs Electronics will bring core technology, development know-how and experience in producing modern fuzes for international customers to the joint venture. CSG will contribute its industrial base, manufacturing infrastructure, knowledge of the European regulatory and licensing environment, and experience in the production and supply of large-calibre ammunition.
