KNDS

Last updated
KNDS N.V.
Company type Naamloze vennootschap
Industry Defence
FoundedDecember 15, 2015;8 years ago (2015-12-15)
Headquarters
Amsterdam
,
Netherlands
Key people
Frank Haun, CEO
Revenue€3.3 billion (2023)
Owners
Number of employees
9,500 (2023)
Subsidiaries Krauss-Maffei Wegmann
Nexter Systems
KNDS UK
Website www.knds.com

KNDS, formerly KMW+Nexter Defense Systems, [lower-alpha 1] is a European defence industry holding company, which is the result of a merger between Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter Systems. The joint holding company is headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands. [2]

Contents

History

KNDS is the joint holding company formed by German family-controlled defence company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), and the French government-owned weapons manufacturer Nexter, two of the leading European manufacturers of military land systems. [3]

Negotiations between the companies and the German and French governments started in Summer 2014. [4] Support for a merger was building in both Germany and France. Presenting the project to French lawmakers in January 2015, [5] CEOs of both companies assumed that the new holding would boost production for both manufacturers by avoiding export restrictions, especially in Germany. [6] In July 2015 the French National Assembly voted in favour of a measure that permits the privatisation of state-owned defence companies, paving the way for KMW and Nexter to join forces. [7] [8]

On 29 July 2015, the merger between the two companies was signed in Paris, [9] in the presence of Ursula von der Leyen and Jean-Yves le Drian. [7] It was remarked in 2015 that the corporate culture of Nexter led to outsourcing components, while that of KMW preferred to manufacture in-house. [7] KMW made the PzH 2000, while Nexter made the CAESAR. [7] The two merger firms complemented each other, instead of competing with each other. [7] KMW brought along to the merger its subsidiary WFEL, a British company. [10]

In December 2015, the merger was completed, when the supervisory board appointed the new CEO of Nexter Systems, Stéphane Mayer, and the chairman of the executive board of KMW, Frank Haun, as CEOs of the holding company. [11]

In July 2016, the French press seemed content with the merger of the manufacturers of the Leopard 2 and Leclerc tanks, although it was disappointed that the combined company was still 25% of the size of General Dynamics or BAE Systems. [12]

Prior to November 2018, the lead of the new Main Ground Combat System MBT was awarded to the German half of the firm, by decision of politicians in both France and Germany. [13]

In November 2018, Rheinmetall was thinking of taking over the 50% share of the German holding company, after the death of Manfred Bode. [13] In December 2018, it became apparent that Rheinmetall was seeking 75% of the whole KNDS company. [14]

In 2020, the number of employees at KNDS and its subsidiaries was 8,270, with a turnover of €2.4 billion, an order backlog of around €10.6 billion and an order intake of €3.3 billion. Its products include main battle tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, weapons systems, ammunition, military bridges, customer services, battle management systems, training, protection and a wide range of equipment. [15]

In 2023, KNDS decided to replace the WFEL moniker of its British subsidiary, with KNDS UK. [16]

Products

In June 2018, the German and French ministries of defence signed a letter of intent for KNDS to develop the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), a common main battle tank, and the Common Indirect Fire System, a common 155 mm self-propelled artillery gun. [17]

KNDS tanks were able, as of 2024, to operate jointly with other ground, aerial and robotic vehicles through the use of multi-layer data networks. The main interface backbone is fully digital, via dual data bus and dual Ethernet, with a modular design, fully scalable and with an open upgradable architecture. All its functions are implemented in software. Thanks to the latest generation computing systems (hardware) high-performance calculations are implemented in real time, while there is availability of services in the whole range of high-speed data networks. [18]

Leopard 2 upgrade

One of KNDS's first projects was upgrading the Leopard 2, with a focus on increasing effectiveness against contemporary threats like anti-tank guided missiles and the Russian T-14 Armata tank. [19]

Main Ground Combat System

Common Indirect Fire System

The Common Indirect Fire System (CIFS) is a French-German program to develop a 155mm self-propelled artillery gun. Introduction of the CIFS is scheduled for 2040.[ citation needed ]

Boxer AFV

Manufacture of the British Boxer AFV with an 8x8 chassis was sublicensed from WFEL, now KNDS UK, to MTL Advanced. [20]

Military bridges

KNDS UK is able to build portable Dry Support Bridges, that can support the weight of a Challenger 3 MBT. [21] [16]

Notes

  1. ↑ According to the trade register maintained by the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, the company's legal name was KMW + Nexter Defense Systems N.V. from 6 July 2016 to 14 June 2023, and Honosthor N.V. from 2 October 2015 to 6 July 2016. [1]

Related Research Articles

KNDS France is a French government-owned weapons manufacturer, based in Versailles. The company was wholly government-owned as GIAT from 1991 to 2006 and as Nexter from 2006 to 2015, when it merged with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) to form KNDS: a single company jointly owned, via holding companies, by the French state and the private owners of KMW. In 2024, Nexter was renamed KNDS France.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leopard 2</span> German main battle tank

The Leopard 2 is a third generation German main battle tank (MBT). Developed by Krauss-Maffei in the 1970s, the tank entered service in 1979 and replaced the earlier Leopard 1 as the main battle tank of the West German army. Various iterations of the Leopard 2 continue to be operated by the armed forces of Germany, as well as 13 other European countries, and several non-European countries, including Canada, Chile, Indonesia, and Singapore. Some operating countries have licensed the Leopard 2 design for local production and domestic development.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boxer (armoured fighting vehicle)</span> Multinational wheeled armoured fighting vehicle

The Boxer is a multirole armoured fighting vehicle designed by an international consortium to accomplish a number of operations through the use of installable mission modules. The governments participating in the Boxer programme have changed as the programme has developed. The Boxer vehicle is produced by the ARTEC GmbH industrial group, and the programme is being managed by OCCAR. ARTEC GmbH is based in Munich; its parent companies are Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH and Rheinmetall Military Vehicles GmbH on the German side, and Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V. for the Netherlands. Overall, Rheinmetall has a 64% stake in the joint venture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Panzerhaubitze 2000</span> German 155 mm self-propelled howitzer

The Panzerhaubitze 2000, meaning "armoured howitzer 2000" and abbreviated PzH 2000, is a German 155 mm self-propelled howitzer developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall in the 1980s and 1990s for the German Army. The PzH 2000 has automatic support for up to five rounds of multiple round simultaneous impact. Replenishment of shells is automated. Two operators can load 60 shells and propelling charges in less than 12 minutes. The PzH 2000 equips the armies of Germany, Italy, Ukraine, Netherlands, Greece, Lithuania, Hungary, Qatar, and Croatia, mostly replacing older systems such as the M109 howitzer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">European multilateral defence procurement</span> How the continent collectively obtains its weapons

European multilateral defence procurement refers to the collective armaments purchasing policies of European nations.

Rheinmetall AG is a German automotive and arms manufacturer, headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany. The Group was promoted to the DAX, Germany's leading share index, in March 2023. It is the fifth largest arms manufacturer in Europe, and produces a variety of armored fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers, in both wheeled and tracked versions. Its name is derived from the German-language terms Rhein and Metall, translating to "Rhinemetal" when combined.

KraussMaffei is a German manufacturing company. It is a manufacturer of injection molding machines, machines for plastics extrusion technology, and reaction process machinery. It was acquired by ChemChina in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fennek</span> German scout car

The Fennek, named after the fennec, or LGS Fennek, with LGS being short for Leichter Gepanzerter Spähwagen in German, is a four-wheeled armed reconnaissance vehicle produced by the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Dutch Defence Vehicle Systems. The Turkish company FNSS Defence Systems acquired the right for licence production in 2004. It was developed for both the German Army and Royal Netherlands Army to replace their current vehicles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stridsvagn 122</span> Swedish main battle tank

Stridsvagn 122 is a Swedish main battle tank that, like the German Leopard 2A5, is based on the German Leopard 2 Improved variant utilizing such newer technology as command, control, and fire-control systems, reinforced armour, and long-term combat capacity. Externally, the vehicle is distinguished from the Leopard 2A5 by the French GALIX smoke dispensers, different storage bins, and the thicker crew hatches.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ATF Dingo</span> Infantry mobility vehicle

The ATF Dingo is a German heavily armored military MRAP infantry mobility vehicle based on a Unimog chassis with a V-hull design, produced by the company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). The first prototype of the Dingo 1 was completed in 1995 and the first production Dingo 1 entered service in 2000 with the German Army. It is designed to withstand land mines, rifle fire, artillery fragments and NBC-threats. ATF stands for Allschutz-Transport-Fahrzeug, meaning all-protected transport vehicle in German. It is named after the Australian native dog, the dingo. The Dingo 2 entered service in late 2004 after undergoing trials from November 2003-May 2004. Currently KMW is developing the Dingo 2 GFF for the German Army with increased internal volume.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mungo ESK</span> Infantry mobility vehicle

The Mungo ESK is an air-transportable, armoured multirole transport vehicle operated by the Airmobile Operations Division and the Rapid Forces Division of the German Army.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GFF4</span> Armored personnel carrier

The GFF4, previously KMW Grizzly, is a medium weight MRAP armored personnel carrier, developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), designed for operation with the German Army based on the 6x6 Trakker chassis from Iveco adapted to meet the needs of the German Army. It is being developed under the direction of the German Ministry of Defence Federal Office of Defense Technology and Procurement. The GFF4 is designed to meet the German Army's "Class 4" protected command and role-specific vehicles, with a gross vehicle weight of 25 tons, and transportable on the Airbus A400M aircraft. Currently, the German Army could use only the smaller 12.5 ton ATF Dingo 2 or the 33 ton Boxer MRAV.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KNDS Deutschland</span> German defense manufacturer

KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co, formerly Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG (KMW), is an arms industry company based in Munich, Germany. The company produces military weapons and vehicles, including tanks, self-propelled artillery, and other armoured vehicles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Artillery Gun Module</span> German 155 mm self-propelled howitzer

The Artillery Gun Module is an air-portable 155 mm self-propelled howitzer designed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. It is based on technology used in the German Army Panzerhaubitze 2000 system, to provide more air portable self-propelled artillery, transportable by Airbus A400 aircraft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MUSS (countermeasure)</span>

Multifunctional Self protection System is a soft kill active protection system developed to protect military vehicles against guided anti-tank missiles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wegmann & Co.</span>


The form coach factory of Wegmann & Co. was founded in 1882 in Kassel by Kommerzienrat, Peter Wegmann, and Richard Harkort as the Casseler Waggonfabriken von Wegmann, Harkort & Co. In 1886 it changed its name to Wegmann & Co.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">FLW remote weapon station</span> Remote Weapon System

FLW stands for "remotely operated, light weapon station" developed by the German defence company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann brands its family of remote weapon stations.

The Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) is a project launched in 2017 by Germany and France, aiming to replace their current Leopard 2 and Leclerc main battle tanks. Coordinated by Germany, in contrast to the other major Franco-German program launched in 2018, the MGCS will not be a single armoured fighting vehicle, but a series of systems conceived around said vehicle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land</span> British/German joint-venture defence and security company

Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land Ltd. (RBSL) is a joint venture between the United Kingdom’s BAE Systems and Germany's Rheinmetall AG for military vehicle design, manufacture and support. The company received regulatory approval on 13 June 2019. It is based in the United Kingdom, with headquarters in Telford, and other sites at Newcastle upon Tyne, Bristol and Dorset.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RCH 155</span> German 155 mm self-propelled howitzer

The RCH 155 is a wheeled self-propelled howitzer developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, a German defence company.

References

  1. ↑ "KVK Handelsregister historie" [Trade register history]. KVK Trade Register (in Dutch). Netherlands Chamber of Commerce. 9 July 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  2. ↑ KMW, Nexter Merger Completed Archived 2016-04-11 at the Wayback Machine . defense-update.com. Retrieved 10 June 2016
  3. ↑ Report: KMW, Nexter to sign merger agreement Archived 2015-06-12 at the Wayback Machine . upi.com. Retrieved 13 June 2015
  4. ↑ "Nexter, KMW start talks on possible defence tie-up - source". July 2014.
  5. ↑ "Assemblée nationale ~ Compte rendu de réunion de la commission de la défense nationale et des forces armées".
  6. ↑ Commission de la défense nationale et des forces armées Archived 2015-05-24 at the Wayback Machine . assemblee-nationale.fr. Retrieved 13 June 2015 (French)
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "Comment le mariage entre Nexter et Krauss-Maffei a été blindé". 29 July 2015.
  8. ↑ German, French tank makers could merge next week Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine . dw.com, 10 July 2015
  9. ↑ German, French tank makers KMW and Nexter seal armoured vehicles tie-up Archived 2015-08-03 at the Wayback Machine . economictimes.indiatimes.com, retrieved 27 July 2015
  10. ↑ "Krauss-Maffei Wegmann on its acquisition of WFEL | Steen Associates".
  11. ↑ Nexter Systems and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann have completed their association Archived 2017-12-01 at the Wayback Machine . nexter-group.fr. Retrieved 10 June 2016
  12. ↑ "Mariage de raison entre les chars Leclerc et Léopard". Le Monde.fr. 13 June 2016.
  13. 1 2 "L'Équilibre franco-allemand dans les blindés pourrait être remis en cause". 30 November 2018.
  14. ↑ "L'Allemand Rheinmetall viserait 75% des parts de KNDS, l'alliance formée par Nexter et Krauss-Maffei Wegmann". 10 December 2018.
  15. ↑ "Home | KNDS". Archived from the original on 2022-07-12. Retrieved 2022-08-02.
  16. 1 2 "Stockport manufacturer secures £150 million British Army contract". 25 January 2024.
  17. ↑ "KMW, Nexter join forces on main ground combat system, common indirect fire system", Def post, archived from the original on 2018-10-12, retrieved 2018-10-12.
  18. ↑ "LEOPARD 1HEL: Πρόταση για την αναβάθμιση του άρματος από την ελληνική EODH" [LEOPARD 1HEL: Proposal to upgrade the tank from the Greek EODH] (in Greek). 2024-04-22.
  19. ↑ German, French tank makers could merge next week Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine . DW, 10 July 2015
  20. ↑ "UK defence manufacturer secures £40m military vehicle contract - PES Media". 14 September 2023.
  21. ↑ "KNDS UK secures GBP 150 million contract for advanced military bridges". 31 January 2024.
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