ZVS Holding has secured a framework deal with the Slovak Ministry of Defense to supply ammunition to EU countries worth as much as 58 billion euros ($67.41 billion).
The seven-year agreement covers the delivery of medium- and large-caliber ammunition for Slovakia and other EU states, including 155mm artillery rounds, 120mm tank rounds, and 30mm and 35mm cannon projectiles.
The framework anticipates that additional EU countries will join the initiative, giving them access to favorable financing conditions under the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) program.
SAFE allows EU member states to obtain loans at a 1-percent interest rate with repayment periods of up to 40 years to support both new and existing defense projects.
Slovakia aims to draw 2.3 billion euros ($2.67 billion) from the SAFE program, of which 38.5 million euros ($45 million) is allocated for the purchase of large- and medium-caliber ammunition for the Slovak Armed Forces.
“The conclusion of the framework agreement represents one of the most significant milestones in the modern history of ZVS,” CEO of ZVS Holding, Jakub Krchňavý, said.
“It confirms that our long-term investments in technology, people, and production quality have elevated Slovak ammunition to the absolute top tier in Europe.
Thanks to the European Union’s decision to significantly strengthen defense capacities and increase security spending, a space is opening for stable, transparent, and long-term sustainable deliveries of European ammunition.”
Project Advantages
Key advantages include a simplified procurement process, reliable Europe-based production, standardized ammunition across participating states, volume-based discounts, and potential access to favorable financing through the EU SAFE program.
Slovakia is inviting EU members to join the framework agreement via a government-to-government model, avoiding fragmented tenders and accelerating deliveries of high-demand ammunition.
Slovakia is already a major global producer of large-caliber ammunition, contributing to about 2 percent of its GDP.
The CSG industrial group anchors the sector, with ZVS Holding serving as its core Slovak manufacturer and producing key components across the group’s ammunition chain.
ZVS primarily manufactures 155mm rounds and is jointly owned by the Slovak Republic and the CSG Group.
“The CSG Group has succeeded in building a unique chain of ammunition manufacturers with a core in Slovakia, which ensures reliable supplies for our customers from production located on European soil,” CEO of the CSG Defense division Jan Marinov said.
“CSG’s capabilities in the field of large-caliber ammunition were confirmed by the Czech Ammunition Initiative, which has significantly contributed to Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.
We welcome the Slovak Ammunition Initiative, which can substantially strengthen the defense capabilities of EU states, and we are ready to fully contribute to it with our production capacities.”
