Within the framework of a contract notified by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) on 11th May, Nexter has placed a major order with EURENCO, the European leader in energetic materials for the supply of artillery modular charges.
A total of 70,000 modules will thus be manufactured on the EURENCO Bergerac site and delivered between 2021 and 2022 to the French Army for use on the CAESAR© system.
This contract makes it possible to support and reinforce the production capacity of the French ammunition industry for the benefit of the armed forces, but also to improve the flexibility of the EURENCO Bergerac site. Negotiations began in January 2020 and, despite the constraints imposed by the health crisis, this contract came into force as soon as possible, thanks to the efforts of all the players.
These modular charges for the CAESAR® system meet the requirements of the NATO “JBMoU” standard, making them compatible with all 155mm artillery systems that comply with this standard. These modern artillery charges - using from 1 to 6 modules depending on the desired range of fire - replace conventional “cartridge bags” charges. With only two types of modules, live and slow charges, this propellant system allows safer implementation and simpler operational use, while guaranteeing safety of use for users despite an increased rate of fire. Finally, its modularity makes it possible to reduce the logistical footprint and reduces the ammunition supply requirements of the artillery piece.
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.
Nexter continues to apply its international development policy with 69% of the order intake in 2019 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.
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. Nexter’s 2019 turnover amounted to €1.1 billion, of which 16% is allocated to Research and Development activities.
EURENCO is the European leader in Energetic Materials with a full range of propellants, explosives, combustible items and additives for Strategic markets: Defense & Security, Space, Oil & Gas, Fuel Additives. EURENCO’s explosive filling and propelling charge solutions are customized for the most complex applications: warheads, missiles, bombs, underwater weapons and small, medium and large caliber munitions.
