Belgium approves multinational strategic partnership on small arms and ammunition with FN Herstal.

On the proposal of Belgian Minister of Defense, Mrs. Ludivine Dedonder, the Council of Ministers has approved the multinational strategic partnership on small arms systems with FN Herstal, valued at EUR 1.7 Bn. This partnership ensures the Defense's security of supply for ammunition and small arms for the next 20 years, thereby enhancing Belgium's strategic autonomy. Thanks to this partnership, investments will be made in Herstal, and an additional production line will be constructed at the FN Herstal site in Zutendaal.
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The partnership between Belgium and FN Herstal ensures the Defense's security of supply for ammunition and small arms for the next 20 years, thereby enhancing Belgium's strategic autonomy (Picture source: FN Hertal)

The multinational strategic partnership between Defense and FN Herstal is part of strengthening Belgium's strategic autonomy. Today, 85% of the ammunition for small arms systems used by the Defense comes from a single foreign supplier, making the country highly dependent on this external provider.

The war in Ukraine and other events on the international stage demonstrate that a strong defense and security industry in Belgium and Europe is of paramount importance to secure the supply of ammunition and small arms in all circumstances – especially during times of crisis.

Minister of Defense Ludivine Dedonder states: "Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the demand for ammunition has increased exponentially. As a country, we must ensure that we can provide the Defense with the necessary ammunition and small arms today, tomorrow, and in the long term so that it can carry out its tasks safely".

Multinational and tailored to user needs

The production and supply of small arms systems and ammunition are not the only components of the multinational strategic partnership. This cooperation will also involve research and development activities over a 20-year period, based on and tailored to the needs of the users. Furthermore, FN Herstal produces both weapons and ammunition, which should ensure perfect compatibility. Finally, complex maintenance and repairs, storage, and the ability to respond quickly to specific needs by providing certain types of weapons for shorter periods will also be possible.

Minister of Defense Ludivine Dedonder said: "Thanks to this partnership, we strengthen our national strategic autonomy and contribute to European strategic autonomy. Today, several European countries have already shown interest in joining the partnership to also rely on the reliability of our Belgian defense and security industry in the interest of their security. Furthermore, we ensure the operational capability of the Defense today and tomorrow and create additional jobs in our Belgian industry. This is a win-win situation for all parties involved, as well as for the security of our country and our personnel".

Defense News November 2023