Thales Australia Partners with Våbenfabrikken to Establish New Light Weapons Production Capability in Denmark.

On September 17, 2024, Thales Australia, through its subsidiary Lithgow Arms, announced a strategic collaboration with the Danish defense company Våbenfabrikken. This partnership aims to create a new light weapons production capability in Denmark, focusing on manufacturing weapons compatible with NATO standards.
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Thales Australia announced a collaboration with the Danish defense company Våbenfabrikken. (Picture source: Thales Australia)

This agreement marks a turning point, as it will be the first time since the 1960s that military assault rifles will be produced in Denmark. The initiative will enhance Denmark’s ability to produce, maintain, and support light weapons domestically, thereby strengthening the country’s defense sector capabilities.

The first phase of this collaboration involves exploring the production of a Danish version of the Australian Combat Assault Rifle (ACAR), currently being developed by Thales Australia. The ACAR is based on a proven design, widely used by allied military forces and security agencies worldwide.

The partnership aligns with Denmark’s broader defense strategy and reflects Thales’ commitment to supporting local industrial capabilities. By collaborating with the Danish industry, Thales seeks to develop a sovereign supply chain that benefits both Denmark and its defense partners.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on September 17, 2024, at Våbenfabrikken’s facilities in Denmark, marking the official start of this collaboration. Under the terms of the MoU, Thales and Våbenfabrikken will work together to establish a local industrial base capable of producing, maintaining, and supporting light weapons compliant with NATO standards.

Våbenfabrikken, with decades of experience as a gunsmith and provider of weapons training, will leverage this partnership to enhance its ability to support Denmark’s national security priorities. This collaboration also aims to develop local skills and expand Våbenfabrikken’s product offerings.

"We are delighted to collaborate with Thales to bring light weapons production back to Denmark for the first time in nearly 60 years," said Kim Wiencken, President of Våbenfabrikken. "This partnership will allow Våbenfabrikken to grow and better meet Denmark’s national security needs. The Danish-Australian Combat Assault Rifle (DACAR) represents a powerful capability that could also open export opportunities for Denmark."

Matt Duquemein, Director of Integrated Weapon Systems at Thales Australia, highlighted the benefits for both countries: "This partnership is the result of a joint effort and trust between Våbenfabrikken, Thales Australia, and Thales Denmark. It will offer Australia regional manufacturing opportunities and provide Denmark with a means to produce and maintain light weapons."

Martin Soegaard, CEO of Thales Denmark, emphasized the growing momentum of the Danish defense industry: "This cooperation strengthens Thales’ longstanding commitment to supporting local defense industries. By introducing the Australian Combat Assault Rifle (ACAR) in Denmark, we are creating a sovereign light weapons capability to support the Danish Ministry of Defense. This partnership will enhance Denmark’s defense industrial footprint and contribute to national security by ensuring supply security in key areas."

This agreement represents a significant step toward establishing Denmark as a producer of modern, NATO-compliant light weapons while supporting the country’s defense and security priorities.