This year's 19th consecutive edition of Hemus 2024 brought together the best companies in the defense industry worldwide. Against the backdrop of Ukrainian and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts and the rapid introduction of the artificial intelligence everywhere, we can safely say that the defense industry is developing more than dynamically. However, what are the trends and what are the biggest challenges for the companies in the military-industrial sector? Alban des Courtils, from KNDS France company, regional development director for Eastern and Southern Europe, answers these questions in an interview with FAKTI in a european perspective.
Mr. des Courtils, how do you see the trends in the development of the defense industry in Europe?
If we pay attention to what the Minister of Defense, retired Lieutenant General Zapryanov, said during the opening ceremony of the exhibition, it is time for Europe to unite in order to make the most from the European funding initiatives like the European Defence Industrial Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA). Joint procurement will lead to better prices, economies of scale, procurement transparency, optimization of production and supply.
We can add that this would also foster innovation, competitiveness and sharing of some know-how while consolidating the EDTIB, ramping up production capacity. Last but not least, It will also strengthen interoperability and cross-border collaboration between the EU states members not only in the industrial point of view but also in an overall military perspective.
That is why Bulgaria, among many others countries, have been invited by the procurement directorate (DGA) of the French MoD to join the CAESAR howitzer common procurement initiative. So far, 4 UE/NATO members confirmed their decision to join this program which tends to demonstrate that this common procurement initiative, eligible to the EDIRPA regulation funding, is a real incentive.
What are the main products presented by KNDS on the HEMUS exhibition?
KNDS is the association of the German Krauss-Maffei Wegman and the French Nexter companies, which unites the strengths and know-how of the two and makes the european leader in LF armaments.
At this booth, presenting only products from KNDS France and its subsidiary KNDS ammunition Italy, we focus mainly on artillery. We display in reduced size the 155 mm CAESAR 6x6 and CAESAR 8x8 howitzers. They have a huge success in the world, as they have proven themselves in combat in a very large spectrum of operations from peace keeping (Lebanon) and expeditionary operations (Afghanistan, Mali and Iraq) to high intensity conflicts (Ukraine). More than 600 units have been already delivered or ordered so far.
It benefits from exceptional strategical and tactical mobility with impressive firepower. As much efficient as easy to operate, it is a weapon you can lean on. It is a very safe weapon that moves and changes position very quickly, which makes it hard to be detected and destroyed.
CAESAR also has a very good target accuracy and can shoot with a range of up to 40 km with conventional ammunition and up to 55 km with extended range ones.
We also display the 105 mm Light Gun, the lightest of its category, the best suited for heliborne operations. Its rate of fire is exceptional; “the perfect weapon for the light brigades” said Alban des Courtils.