Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Norwegian Government has taken a number of steps to increase production capacity in the Norwegian defence industry. This includes co- funding Chemring Nobel £32m, alongside the EU, to more than double capacity at its current site.
On 10 October 2024 the Norwegian Government announced new measures to strengthen the Norwegian defence industry. Launching its roadmap for increased production capacity in the defence industry, the Norwegian Government has identified that the production of high explosives in Europe is significantly lower than the growing demand, especially for HMX, RDX and NTO. It also identified that, as one of only two manufacturers of advanced military explosives in Europe, Chemring Nobel’s production is crucial to both NATO and European allies.
The Norwegian Government has therefore announced that it will co-finance and participate in a feasibility study with Chemring Nobel to assess the development of a new production facility to increase the production of military explosives at Chemring Nobel.
This co-funded feasibility study, which is expected to be concluded by the end of 2024, will among other things investigate the geographic location, infrastructure requirements and environmental considerations of building a new production facility. The study will also consider the role and the levels of any financial contribution made by the Norwegian Government.
More information can be found here: Launching Defence Industry Roadmap – regjeringen.no
Norway’s Minister of Defence, Bjørn Arild Gram, commented:
“We see the production of military explosives as the most crucial Norwegian defence industrial contribution to Ukraine and Allied forces’ needs. Chemring is one of only two major manufacturers of advanced military explosives in Europe, and in our opinion they are the producer in Europe and North America that can establish increased production the fastest. Chemring’s production is crucial to help the West continue to support Ukraine with weapons.
This joint study is key to unlocking further capacity into the supply chain.”
Michael Ord, Chief Executive of Chemring, added:
“Today’s announcement is a clear indicator of the need to rapidly increase capacity across the defence industrial base to counter the numerous threats faced by NATO and its European allies.
We are grateful to the support being provided by the Government of Norway and look forward to working closely with them on this important project.”