France to relaunch domestic production of military ammunition
France has announced a major strategic decision for its national defense. After a twenty-five-year hiatus, the country will begin manufacturing small-caliber ammunition on its own territory once again. This production, which ceased in 1999, is officially scheduled to resume by 2029.
The French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) is tasked with overseeing this industrial project. The primary objective is to strengthen France's strategic autonomy. By producing its own ammunition, the state aims to reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers, a necessity that has become evident in an increasingly unstable global geopolitical context.
This return to local production represents a significant shift for the French armaments industry. Since the late 1990s, France has imported the vast majority of its small-caliber ammunition. The establishment of new production lines will not only help secure military stockpiles but also support industrial employment in the affected regions.
The schedule provides for a gradual ramp-up by 2029. This project is part of a broader government initiative to modernize French military capabilities and ensure greater responsiveness to international crises. France is thus confirming its commitment to controlling its entire supply chain for essential military needs.