“Strategic Alliance: WAHAJ and Nexter Join Forces to Boost Local 155mm Ammunition Production for Saudi Defense”
- WAHAJ and Nexter Munitions, a subsidiary of KNDS, established a partnership in late 2023 to produce advanced 155mm munitions solutions for the Saudi armed forces and engage in long-term investments.
- As a longstanding collaborator with the Saudi Armed Forces, KNDS is committed to advancing the Ammunition Technological & Industrial Base in Saudi Arabia, aligned with the KSA Vision 2030 initiative.
Two initiatives to bolster the industrial capabilities of the KSA
The localization of Modular Charges production in KSA for 155mm artillery systems will be conducted by the joint venture “WAHAJ NEXTER Industries”.
The forging and machining of shell casings for large-caliber ammunition in KSA will be supported by NEXTER Munitions, which will offer expertise and technical guidance to WAHAJ.
These two initiatives exemplify KNDS’s unwavering dedication to achieving the objectives of the Industrial Participation Policy in KSA, within the context of new contracts with Saudi Forces for ammunition supply.
An innovative approach to developing our partnerships
The inaugural board meeting of the joint venture “WAHAJ NEXTER Saudi Industries” took place at the beginning of November 2023 to appoint board members, with Mr. Bandar AL ZAMIL becoming the first Chairman of this enterprise. He remarked, “Wahaj is privileged to partner with KNDS in vital manufacturing technologies. This alliance will significantly enhance and elevate Saudi Arabia’s capabilities, in accordance with our nation’s Vision 2030.” During this meeting, both the planning for the establishment of the industrial facility and the commercial action plans for the upcoming months were ratified.
As stated by Frantz CAILLAU, a board member of the joint venture and Managing Director of NEXTER Munitions: “KNDS is excited to launch a new joint venture with WAHAJ to cultivate local expertise in Saudi Arabia for cutting-edge ammunition. Our partnership with KSA is certainly advancing with WAHAJ and will play an active role in supporting KSA’s defense aspirations.”
