Belgium and FN HERSTAL: Strategic Partners

On November 17, 2023, the Belgian government approved the implementation of a long-term strategic partnership between the Belgian Ministry of Defense and FN Herstal.

The partnership is part of the "Defence, Industry and Research Strategy" (DIRS) and the policy pursued by the Belgian federal government and Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder since 2020. It aims to contribute to the goals of strategic autonomy and supply security of the European Union and NATO. This strategic partnership specifically aims to secure the supply of small-caliber ammunition and keep the inventory of small arms of the Belgian army operational for 20 years - pictured above: Belgian special forces practicing.

In line with Belgium's commitment to contribute to the European defense technological and industrial base, the partnership is also a multinational framework open to other European states to meet their long-term ammunition needs. Investments in Zutendaal and Herstal are already underway and will be intensified in the coming months. They will lead to a significant increase in ammunition production, the reintroduction of 5.56 and 7.62 caliber ammunition, and the creation of over 60 jobs at both locations.

FN HERSTAL online