Belgian arms manufacturer FN Herstal has celebrated a 1.7 billion-euro, 20-year partnership with the Belgian Defence Ministry approved by the Council of Ministers.
"This partnership epitomises the strong relations we sustain with our European and NATO clients and partners, especially Belgian Defence," said FN Herstal’s CEO Julien Compère in a statement.
The deal seeks to improve Belgian strategic autonomy and involves the supply, management, upkeep, and digitisation of Belgian Defence’s light weapons arsenal. This includes ammunition provision and investment in research and development.
The partnership is open for other European countries to join to "meet their long-term ammunition needs," said FN Herstal. "Numerous partner countries have already shown interest," stated Defence Minister, Ludivine Dedonder, during an early-afternoon press briefing.
Investment projects are already underway at Herstal and Zutendaal (in Limbourg, where a production site is located) and will intensify in the coming months. "They will lead to a significant increase in ammunition production, reintroduction of 5.56 and 7.62 calibre ammunition, and the creation of over 60 jobs across both sites," FN Herstal clarifies.
"I am delighted that our company can contribute to Belgium’s, Europe’s, NATO’s and their allies’ defence strategy through long-term industrial commitment," concludes Compère.
