Nexter recently signed a long-term agreement with Aubert & Duval for the supply of special steels for all Nexter’s product ranges. This partnership agreement is based on Aubert & Duval's recognized technical skills in high value-added steels and on a clear desire to place the relationship within a framework of continuous improvement and performance. It consolidates the business flows of our partner’s various sites, including Firminy and Les Ancizes.

“This agreement revives a historic partnership and confirms the importance of Aubert & Duval in Nexter’s development strategy. We would like to thank all the teams who have made this agreement possible,” said Sylvain Rousseau, Nexter’s Director of Operations.

Jérôme Fabre, Chairman of Aubert & Duval, added: “Aubert & Duval is the benchmark metallurgy partner for French and European sovereignty industries. This partnership is key to develop our unique technical skills in France. I would like to thank Nexter for renewing its confidence in us, as well as all the teams who worked on this project.”

Since its beginnings in 1907, Aubert & Duval has contributed to the projects of the most demanding industries. Today, Aubert & Duval, a specialist in upscale metallurgy, is a world leader in designing, developing and industrializing high-performance steel, superalloy, aluminum or titanium parts.

Nexter, the leading French land defense company and third European player in the ammunition sector is part of the KNDS Group. The scope of its business includes as well the supply of weapon systems and ammunition for air and naval forces. Nexter also provides systems and protection solutions in the field of homeland security. The group continues to apply its international development policy with several order intakes in 2020 intended for the export market.

In France, Nexter is fully committed to meeting the objectives of the SCORPION program, through the upgrade of the Leclerc tank and the development of the VBMR GRIFFON and EBRC JAGUAR vehicles within the temporary business venture between Nexter, Thales and Arquus, as well as the Lightweight VBMR SERVAL.

The group’s range of products also includes TITUS® and VBCI armored vehicles, CAESAR® and 105LG1 artillery systems, smart ammunition (BONUS), robots, many equipment, as well as customer service, support and revaluation.

KNDS’s 2020 turnover amounted to €2,4 billion. (File Photo © Aubert & Duval)