KNDS - Defence Industry Europe

On 13 January 2025, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius presided over a historic event at the KNDS Deutschland facility in Kassel, where the first 155 mm RCH 155 self-propelled artillery system was officially handed over to Ukraine. The advanced weapon system, produced by KNDS, was received on behalf of the Ukrainian Armed Forces by Ukraine's ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev.

Germany officially hands over cutting-edge RCH 155 artillery system to Ukraine

The RCH 155 (Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 mm) combines the firepower of the Panzerhaubitze 2000 howitzer with the mobility of the GTK Boxer armoured vehicle.

Following lessons learned from current conflicts in Europe, EuroTrophy GmbH introduces the new Trophy Active Protection System (APS) Silent Mode to tackle new and evolving operational needs in the European and NATO arena.

EuroTrophy to equip German Leopard 2A8 tanks with Trophy Active Protection Systems

Land, Top / By Defence Industry Europe

EuroTrophy GmbH has won a significant contract from KNDS Deutschland to deliver 123 Trophy Active Protection Systems (APS) for the German Army’s Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks.

The KNDS Board of Directors has appointed Jean-Paul Alary as the new group CEO of KNDS, the Franco-German manufacturer of military land systems. He will join KNDS from Safran Aircraft Engines, a division of French high-technology group Safran, where he has been CEO. Throughout his career, he has held various roles across different divisions within Safran. Jean-Paul Alary will assume his appointment at KNDS by April 1st, 2025.

Jean-Paul Alary to be appointed as CEO of Franco-German defence group KNDS

Land / By Defence Industry Europe

The KNDS Board of Directors has appointed Jean-Paul Alary as the new group CEO of KNDS, the Franco-German manufacturer of military land systems.

In October, German drone technology company Avilus partnered with the German Army to test and strategise the integration of cutting-edge defence technologies into the Bundeswehr. The trials, conducted in a simulated operational environment, focused on ensuring effective communication, interoperability, and process automation through the use of Avilus’ Grille drone system.

Avilus demonstrates advanced drone technology in collaboration with German Army

Air / By Defence Industry Europe

In October, German drone technology company Avilus partnered with the German Army to test and strategise the integration of cutting-edge defence technologies into the Bundeswehr.

Thales has secured a contract from KNDS to deliver advanced High-Power Solid-State Power Distribution Boards (SSPDB) for the Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks. These compact and scalable systems are designed to provide smart electrical power management, including overcurrent and short circuit protection for protected vehicles, Thales said in a press release.

Thales to supply power systems for Leopard 2A8 tanks under KNDS contract

Land, Top / By Defence Industry Europe

Thales has secured a contract from KNDS to deliver advanced High-Power Solid-State Power Distribution Boards (SSPDB) for the Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks.

Germany will supply Ukraine with modern Leopard 2 battle tanks and allow allies such as Poland, Finland and the Netherlands to do so as well. These countries had also declared their willingness to supply Leopard tanks to Ukraine. According to reports in several US media, the USA is planning to make its Abrams tanks available. The New York Times reports that 30 to 50 units are being discussed. The United Kingdom has already promised 14 Challenger tanks. The Leopard is one of the most modern and best battle tanks in the world, and is deployed in 14 European countries. For months Ukraine has been demanding Western-designed battle tanks to fight the Russian aggressors.

European defence group KNDS opens subsidiary in Ukraine

Important / By Defence Industry Europe

The subsidiary, named KNDS Ukraine LLC, aims to facilitate closer cooperation between Ukrainian government institutions, the local defence industry, and KNDS, which has become one of the country’s key suppliers of military equipment.

The commitment of Prime Minister Meloni to military spending became tangible after the Defence Ministry released, with an unusual delay of six months, its budget projections for 2023-2025. Integrated expenditures for defence are set to reach an all-time high of EUR 31.4 billion in 2025, a EUR 2 billion increase from 2022. Italian expenses for procurement are expected to rise by 43% in the next two years, with EUR 4.6 billion allocated to thirteen new military programmes. 90% of this sum will be exclusively destined for armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) purchases and modernisation. Rome also recently celebrated with grandeur the 100th anniversary of its Air Force. Overall, this has been a truly remarkable year for Italian defence.

Germany approves major purchase of 105 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks

Land / By Defence Industry Europe

German Parliament has approved the purchase of 105 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks. This acquisition marks a substantial enhancement for the Bundeswehr.

During the Eurosatory exhibition in Paris, leading European defence companies (KNDS Deutschland, KNDS France, Rheinmetall Landsysteme, and Thales) signed a letter of intent for the MGCS programme. This document confirms the industry's commitment to establishing a project company for the targeted implementation of development work on the German-French Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) programme, KNDS said in a press release.

German and French defence companies sign letter of intent for MGCS programme

Land, Top / By Defence Industry Europe

During the Eurosatory exhibition in Paris, leading European defence companies (KNDS Deutschland, KNDS France, Rheinmetall Landsysteme, and Thales) signed a letter of intent for the MGCS programme.

Artillery systems manufacturer KNDS France announced that it will establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) centre in Ukraine. This move aims to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which operate the CAESAR self-propelled howitzers.

KNDS to establish MRO centre for CAESAR howitzers in Ukraine

Land / By Defence Industry Europe

Artillery systems manufacturer KNDS France announced that it will establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) centre in Ukraine. This move aims to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The French procurement agency (DGA) has notified a contract to KNDS France to support the development of the KATANA high-precision guided ammunition. This 155mm ammunition, which uses the latest guidance technology to ensure a few meters accuracy, will be offered for sale within the next two years, KNDS France said in a press release.

KNDS signs contract for further development of KATANA 155mm high precision ammunition

Important, Land / By Defence Industry Europe

The French procurement agency (DGA) has notified a contract to KNDS France to support the development of the KATANA high-precision guided ammunition.

EODH and KNDS extended their long lasting cooperation until 2035 with a new contract to integrate ASPIS NG Protection System to Leopard MBTs. This is a major milestone for the technological cooperation between the two companies which will bring their products into a new era enriching them with next Generation Protection Solutions and Technologies.

EODH and KNDS sign contract for ASPIS NG system integration on Leopard tanks

Land / By Defence Industry Europe

EODH and KNDS extended their long lasting cooperation until 2035 with a new contract to integrate ASPIS NG Protection System to Leopard MBTs.

Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) has signed contracts with the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) and the defence company KNDS for the procurement of 12 wheeled self-propelled howitzers CAESAR, with the option to purchase additional howitzers in the future. The contracts were signed at one of the world’s largest defence industry exhibitions, Eurosatory 2024, in Paris.

Estonia acquires 12 CAESAR self-propelled howitzers from KNDS

Land, Top / By Defence Industry Europe

Estonia has signed contracts with the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) and the defence company KNDS for the procurement of 12 wheeled self-propelled howitzers CAESAR.