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KNDS Belgium Strengthens Ukraine's Autonomy with 30mm Ammunition Compatible with NATO and Ex-Soviet Systems.
Amid a tense geopolitical climate and efforts to strengthen defense capabilities in Eastern Europe, KNDS Belgium SA, formerly known as Mecar, has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with one of the entities affiliated with Ukroboronprom, the Ukrainian defense industry conglomerate. The agreement, formalized on May 20, 2025, aims to initiate the joint production of medium-caliber ammunition, with a particular focus on 30mm rounds compatible with Soviet-origin weapon systems still in service within the Ukrainian armed forces.
The main objective of this partnership is to facilitate the joint assembly of ammunition for automatic cannons capable of targeting enemy personnel, light armored vehicles, and low-flying aerial threats (Picture source: US DoD)
This collaboration is part of a broader effort by the Ukrainian defense industry, officially known as the Joint Stock Company Ukrainian Defense Industry (UDI), to reinforce its military supply chain and expand its industrial partnerships internationally. The main objective of this partnership is to facilitate the joint assembly of ammunition for automatic cannons capable of targeting enemy personnel, light armored vehicles, and low-flying aerial threats. These types of ammunition are critical in modern operations, especially in asymmetric conflicts where flexibility and rapid response are essential.
According to Oleh Huliak, Director General of Ukroboronprom, this initiative is part of a wider process aimed at integrating the Ukrainian arms industry into NATO standards and networks. He stated that Ukraine is “gradually expanding the geography of its international partnerships” with the goal of consolidating the capabilities of its armed forces while supporting the long-term development of its defense industrial base. The agreement with KNDS Belgium reflects this strategic direction by enabling Ukraine to diversify its supply sources while enhancing its technological capabilities through localized production.
KNDS Belgium is recognized as a major global manufacturer of ammunition and already supplies NATO, the Belgian Army, and several other armed forces worldwide. Its involvement in this project reflects a strategy to expand into export markets, as confirmed by CEO Jean-Michel Girard. He sees potential in developing a new line of ammunition given the continued widespread use of Soviet-origin weapon systems, especially in countries from the former Eastern Bloc.
This announcement follows a series of recent defense partnerships signed by Ukroboronprom, including an agreement with the Spanish company Escribano Mechanical & Engineering for the maintenance, repair, and licensed production of advanced combat modules in Ukraine. Additionally, a cooperation initiative is underway with German defense manufacturer Rheinmetall to establish artillery ammunition production facilities on Ukrainian soil.
The agreement with KNDS Belgium illustrates Ukraine’s approach to modernizing its defense production capabilities while reinforcing ties with European industrial partners. In a conflict where logistical resilience and industrial continuity are as critical as firepower, such initiatives significantly enhance Ukraine's strategic autonomy.
The agreement between KNDS Belgium and the Ukrainian defense industry represents a key step in increasing the country’s local production of medium-caliber ammunition, with a specific focus on compatibility with existing Soviet-origin systems. It aligns with Ukraine’s broader strategy to deepen international partnerships and strengthen its integration into the European and transatlantic defense ecosystems.
Ukraine is currently facing an urgent and growing demand for medium-caliber ammunition, particularly 30mm rounds, due to the intensity of ongoing combat and the heavy use of automatic cannons mounted on Soviet-era vehicles and weapon systems. These munitions are essential for neutralizing light armored vehicles, drones, and low-flying aircraft. However, the legacy stockpiles from the Soviet era are depleting, and access to former Russian suppliers is no longer viable. At the same time, Ukraine is seeking alignment with NATO standards while maintaining its short-term operational readiness, which requires munitions compatible with existing systems but manufactured to modern specifications.
In this context, the development of joint production with KNDS Belgium addresses a dual need: to ensure secure and timely supply, and to enhance Ukraine’s industrial autonomy. This form of cooperation supports the acquisition of technical know-how, job creation, and the establishment of a sustainable national defense industry. It also serves as a strategic lever to prepare for the future, not only by sustaining the current war effort but by embedding Ukraine in a trajectory of industrial modernization, resilience, and collaboration with Western defense partners.