The defense technology group KNDS, in which Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (Germany) and Nexter (France) merged to form the leading European company for military land systems, ammunition and related services, has presented its key figures for the fiscal year 2020. In 2020, the group achieved remarkable results in an unprecedented context due to the Covid crisis, thus demonstrating its robust business model, its resilience and its strong economic and financial position.
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Griffon, one of the vehicles fitting in the Scorpion programme (Picture source: Army Recognition)
With 3,3 billion euro of order intake, the consolidated order backlog grew to a record 10.6 billion euro. Major orders were the midlife upgrade for the 322 Fennek armored vehicles of the Netherlands Army, 24 Leguan bridge layers for the German Bundeswehr, 42 Jaguars, 271 Griffons, and 364 Servals related to the Scorpion program, as well as support and services activities for the French army, and CAESAR self-propelled howitzers for a new export customer.
The group generated 2,4 billion euro of revenue, while its workforce grew to 8,270 employees. “In 2020, we met or exceeded all our commercial targets,” said Frank Haun, CEO of KNDS, in assessing the company’s performance. “In addition, Nexter and KMW are integrating faster and more strongly to become the joint pacesetter for key innovations in the field of military land systems. Against this backdrop, however, we see new challenges. For example, the budgets of our most important customers are being significantly impacted by the consequences of the corona pandemic, partly at the expense of the defence budgets. And within defence budgets, significant increases in spending on air systems are emerging, which in turn are putting pressure on much-needed army projects.”
KNDS (KMW+NEXTER Defense Systems) is the result of the association of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter, two of the leading European manufacturers of military land systems based in Germany and France. KNDS forms a Group of 8,270 employees, with a 2020 revenue of 2,4 billion euro, an order backlog of around 10,6 billion euro and incoming orders of 3,3 billion euro. The range of its products includes main battle tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, weapons systems, ammunition, military bridges, customer services, battle management systems, training solutions, protection solutions and a wide range of equipment.
The formation of KNDS represents the beginning of consolidation in land defense systems industry in Europe. The strategic alliance between KMW and Nexter enhances both groups’ competitiveness and international positions, as well as their ability to meet the needs of their respective national army. In addition, it offers to its European and NATO customers the opportunity of increased standardization and interoperability for their defense equipment, with a dependable industrial base.
KNDS headquarters are based in Amsterdam.
KNDS (KMW+NEXTER Defense Systems) is the result of the association of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter, two of the leading European manufacturers of military land systems based in Germany and France
