KNDS had the opportunity to demonstrate the CAESAR 8x8 long-range firing capability. Using KNDS Ammo complete rounds, a series of shots were performed with CAESAR 8x8 at the Ustka firing range in Poland late September achieving distances beyond 42 kilometers.
These long-range shots highlight KNDS’ technical expertise in cannon-ammunition pairing to optimize range, precision and terminal efficiency.
KNDS views Poland as an essential partner for future ammunition production capability at a European level, with the aim of capitalizing on Poland’s already strong industrial assets. Consequently, its comprehensive expertise, covering 155mm shells, propellant, fuzes and primers is offered locally in support of local 155mm ammunition production development based on proven solutions, KNDS Ammo rounds being vindicated in Ukraine for their effectiveness and accuracy, and having being been successfully used with a large range of 155mm/52 caliber self-propelled howitzers, including PzH 2000, K9 and Archer.
With more than 600 CAESAR self-propelled 155mm / 52 cal. howitzers delivered or in production, and a comprehensive range of 155mm ammunition widely used on a diverse set of howitzers in service within NATO, the artillery solutions offered by KNDS are the most combat proven, and have demonstrated both their relevance and performance in high intensity operations. KNDS is thus confident in its capability to support Polish artillery ammunition development programs with the ultimate aim of strengthening Europe’s Eastern flank and overall resilience.
KNDS is the result of the association of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Nexter, two of the leading European manufacturers of military land systems based in Germany and France.
KNDS forms a Group of around 9,500 employees, with a 2023 turnover of 3.3 billion euro, an order backlog of around 16 billion euro and incoming orders of 7.8 billion euro. The range of its products includes main battle tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, weapons systems, ammunition, military bridges, customer services, battle management systems, training solutions, protection solutions and a wide range of equipment.
The formation of KNDS represents the beginning of consolidation in land defense systems industry in Europe. The strategic alliance between KMW and Nexter enhances both groups’ competitiveness and international positions, as well as their ability to meet the needs of their respective national army. In addition, it offers to its European and NATO customers the opportunity of increased standardization and interoperability for their defense equipment, with a dependable industrial base.
KNDS headquarters are based in Amsterdam.