Norway Begins Construction of Advanced Artillery Ammunition Factory to Bolster Defence Capabilities

Norway has embarked on an ambitious journey to strengthen its defence production capabilities with the construction of a cutting-edge artillery ammunition factory in Raufoss. The groundbreaking ceremony for the facility, led by Nammo, a leading Nordic defence group, marks a critical milestone in Norway’s bid to address the soaring global demand for artillery shells and rocket motors amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The significance of this project is reflected in its integration into Norway's broader defence strategy, underpinned by a substantial 1.083 billion NOK agreement between the Norwegian government and Nammo. This initiative aims to ensure enhanced production readiness for the next 15 years, positioning Norway as a reliable defence partner within NATO and a vital contributor to Ukraine's defence needs.

Meeting an Urgent Global Demand

Hans Christian Kjølseth, State Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, underscored the strategic importance of the new facility during the ceremony. “The establishment of the new Nammo factory is a milestone for Norway’s defence industry. This will boost the production of artillery ammunition and rocket motors, which are crucial for Norway, NATO, and Ukraine,” he stated.

The factory's construction comes at a time of heightened demand for artillery ammunition due to the war in Ukraine. According to Kjølseth, existing production capacities across Europe have proven insufficient to meet the unprecedented needs created by the conflict. The new facility is a proactive response, aiming to significantly ramp up production while reinforcing Norway's industrial resilience in the face of global challenges.

Strategic Features and Broader Impacts

This state-of-the-art factory will be equipped to produce high-quality artillery shells and advanced rocket motors, with an emphasis on efficiency and scalability. The facility is expected to integrate environmentally friendly production technologies, aligning with Norway's commitment to sustainable industrial practices.

Beyond its strategic military contributions, the project is also expected to provide a boost to Norway's domestic economy. By creating jobs and fostering technological innovation, the facility will serve as a catalyst for local economic growth. Furthermore, the factory is part of Norway's broader involvement in the European Union's ASAP programme, which co-finances critical defence projects to enhance collective European security capabilities.

Strengthening Norway’s Defence Industry

The Norwegian government has taken additional measures to solidify the country's position as a defence production leader. Long-term contracts with Nammo and other industry players have been established to ensure consistent production and readiness. Such commitments are aimed at safeguarding Norway’s defence interests while contributing to NATO's collective capabilities.

The factory's construction also symbolizes a forward-looking approach to national security, reflecting Norway’s understanding of modern defence needs. By addressing both immediate and long-term production challenges, this initiative reinforces the country’s role as a dependable partner within the international security framework.

A Step Towards Strategic Independence

As global demand for critical defence materials continues to surge, the new facility at Raufoss represents a significant stride toward enhancing Norway's self-reliance in defence production. This proactive investment in domestic manufacturing capacity ensures that Norway can meet its own security requirements while playing a key role in supporting NATO allies and other partners, including Ukraine.

With construction now underway, the Nammo factory is poised to emerge as a cornerstone of Norway’s defence industry, blending cutting-edge technology, strategic foresight, and economic opportunity into a single, transformative project.