KMW inaugurates new production facility in the Netherlands
The new production facility of KMW-subsidiary Dutch Defense Vehicle Systems (DDVS) has been officially opened today in Helmond, near Eindhoven (NL). Attendees included the official patron of the ceremony, State Secretary Jack de Vries on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Defense, and guests from the political, industrial, and military domains. By founding this new production facility for military vehicle components and creating one of the most advanced competence centers for welding technologies in Europe, KMW underscores its commitment to the Dutch market and the strong will to cross-border cooperation.
“With the opening of our Dutch production site we are passing another milestone of our cooperation strategy for the European Defense Market”, says Frank Haun, CEO of KMW.
Under the Dutch flag of its DDVS subsidiary, Europe’s leader in protected wheeled and tracked vehicles will produce all hulls and several mission modules for the German-Dutch BOXER vehicle program. In total, the two states have ordered 472 of the highly protected, 8-wheeled vehicles. Furthermore, the Dutch FENNEK reconnaissance vehicles will be provided logistical service and maintenance in Helmond as well.
The 100% KMW subsidiary has been founded in 2005 and was assigned with the assembly of the Dutch vehicles from the German-Dutch FENNEK program. Due to the consequent development of the site, several additional business activities have been generated in Helmond, leading to the creation of a new production facility. The DDVS has thus become the most important competence center for military land systems in the Netherlands and is building on a wide network of certified suppliers and research institutes complemented by the extensive system know-how of its parent company.
Source: KMW
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Hanwha debuts with US Army deal worth up to $3.6 billion as it eyes future M109 replacement]()
Hanwha debuts with US Army deal worth up to $3.6 billion as it eyes future M109 replacement
The Mobile Tactical Cannon is to replace the US Army’s M777 towed howitzers which could result in the procurement of almost 500 systems at an estimated $3.59 billion.
-
![US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production]()
US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production
The US Department of Defense (DoD) is spending billions of dollars to accelerate missile production to meet demands from the war against Iran and requirements in Ukraine. Manufacture of SM-3 and PAC-3 interceptors is being ramped up, alongside a $22.9 billion commitment to Tomahawk cruise missiles.
-
![Rheinmetall advances longer 155mm ordnance with 30% range increase]()
Rheinmetall advances longer 155mm ordnance with 30% range increase
Rheinmetall has begun initial firing trials of a new 155mm/60-calibre artillery ordnance that could deliver up to 30% greater range than its existing 155mm/52-calibre system, as production of the current gun expands across Germany and the UK.
-
![Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028]()
Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028
The next stage of the Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) programme, dubbed iMUGS2, was launched in November 2025. Three major demonstrations are planned before the end of 2028.
-
![British Army Land Rover replacement plan inches forward]()
British Army Land Rover replacement plan inches forward
The UK Ministry of Defence has proposed a selection date of May 2027 for the Land Rover replacement requirement, with deliveries expected through to 2036. Next month’s DVD exhibition will be a key shop window for bidders.
