Minister signs contract for weapons factory with larger security zone

It may be necessary to expropriate citizens’ properties that are close to the weapons factory for security reasons.

More than two years ago, Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen (V) first said that the state should help produce ammunition, and on Saturday he signed the contract. This is stated in a press release from the Ministry of Defense.

“In light of the heightened security situation, it is very important that both Denmark and European allies fill their ammunition stocks,” says Troels Lund Poulsen.

In October 2023, the state purchased Krudten, a closed weapons factory in Elling, North Jutland, and Denmark will now become a co-owner with 15 percent in a new subsidiary of the Norwegian ammunition manufacturer Nammo.

The process of ammunition production in Denmark has been a long one. The ideas were floated over two years ago, but the factory is not set to start production until 2027. A larger safety zone is needed than has previously been necessary. Therefore, it may be necessary to expropriate “a few of the closest neighbors’ properties” if they do not agree on a voluntary agreement.

Following the signing ceremony at the ammunition factory, the Minister of Defense held a citizens’ meeting about the specific plans for the development of the factory. He calls it crucial to inform citizens in the area about the factory, which he sees as “a strategically important capacity that reduces Denmark’s dependence on other countries’ supply chains.”

“It is a big decision, but also a decision that will affect the closest residents, and they must therefore be taken care of,” says Troels Lund Poulsen.

More expensive than predicted

Nammo is the largest producer of ammunition in the Nordic region. At the end of February, the company was appointed to start new ammunition production in Denmark. This will strengthen the security of supply in Denmark and the Nordic region, according to the Danish Armed Forces.

“When we sign the contract with Nammo today, we reach a milestone in our efforts to provide combat power for the Danish Armed Forces,” says Lieutenant General Per Pugholm Olsen, Head of the Danish Ministry of Defence’s Materiel and Procurement Agency.

According to Jyllands-Posten, the price of reviving the North Jutland ammunition factory ‘Krudten’ could be multiplied. The price of renovating and rebuilding the factory near Frederikshavn could rise to 883 million kroner from 200 million kroner according to confidential documents.

Approximately 8.6 billion kroner has been allocated for the factory and to build up the Danish Armed Forces’ ammunition stores. The factory will produce 155 mm and 120 mm grenades as well as cartridges in 5.56 and 7.62 calibers.

ritzau