At Eurosatory 2016, the world's largest international land defence and security exhibition, Nexter and KMW will be showcasing their product ranges under the joint KNDS banner on just one stand.
The formation of KNDS represents the beginning of consolidation in land defence systems in Europe. This consolidation represents a first-class opportunity from both a political and economic perspective. The strategic alliance between Nexter and KMW will enhance both groups' competitiveness and international positions, as well as their ability to meet the needs of their respective national army.
The new name clearly identifies the alliance between two established brands. By preserving both corporate identities and their logos and by combining their colours, Nexter and KMW are affirming their cooperation by pooling their strengths and capitalising on the good fit they form, while each company maintains its own capabilities and products.
"We are glad to present our new step forward on the path to a European defence leader through our new name and our common presence during Eurosatory" said Stéphane Mayer and Frank Haun, the co-CEOs of KNDS.
Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG leads the European market for highly protected wheeled and tracked vehicles.
At locations in Germany, Brazil, Greece, Mexico, the Netherlands, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the USA and Turkey more than 4.000 employees develop, manufacture and support a product portfolio ranging from air-transportable, highly protected wheeled vehicles (MUNGO, AMPV*, F2, DINGO, GFF4 and BOXER*) through reconnaissance, anti-aircraft and artillery systems (FENNEK, GEPARD, LeFlaSys*, Armoured Howitzer PzH2000, DONAR* and AGM) to main battle tanks (LEOPARD 1 and 2), infantry fighting vehicles (PUMA*) and bridgelaying systems.
In addition, KMW has wide-ranging system competence in the area of civil and military simulation, as well as in command and information systems and remote-controlled weapon stations with reconnaissance and observation equipment. The armed forces of more than 50 nations worldwide rely on tactical systems by KMW.
Nexter, the leading French land defence company is dedicated to meeting the needs of French and other land forces internationally. The scope of its business includes the supply of weapon systems and ammunition for air and naval forces.
The acquisition of Belgian company Mecar and Italian company Simmel Difesa enabled the establishment, along with Nexter Munitions, of the third European player in the ammunition sector.
The group continues its international development policy with 55% of order intake in 2015 destined for the export market. In France, Nexter is fully committed to meeting the objectives of the SCORPION programme, through the renovation of the Leclerc tank and the development of the future GRIFFON and JAGUAR vehicles within the GME (temporary consortium).
Nexter's 2015 turnover amounted to €1.07 billion, of which 14% is allocated to Research and Development activities. The group's range of products consists of ARAVIS®, TITUS® and VBCI armoured vehicles, CAESAR®, TRAJAN® and 105LG1 artillery systems, smart ammunition (BONUS), as well as customer service, support and recycling.