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Strategic Agreement Between Turkey and Germany to Secure Europe's 155mm Shell Supply.
The cooperation between Turkey and Germany is taking on a new dimension with a strategic partnership to enhance the production of 155mm artillery shells. Turkish defense company Repkon, a key player in the sector, has signed an agreement with a leading German manufacturer to establish an explosive filling facility in Germany. This project, scheduled to be operational by early 2027, comes at a time when the demand for artillery ammunition continues to rise, driven notably by the conflict in Ukraine and the increased military commitments of NATO countries. The goal is to ensure a more stable supply of 155mm shells and to bolster European industrial capabilities in this critical sector.
The signed agreement also includes a substantial order of 155mm shells, a crucial element for Germany, whose ammunition reserves have been depleted by the extensive military support provided to Ukraine (Picture source: Repkon)
Germany’s defense industry, although dominated by major players such as Rheinmetall, is under growing pressure to increase ammunition production. The 155mm caliber, widely used by Western armed forces, has become a strategic priority for Berlin, which seeks to avoid excessive dependence on a limited number of suppliers. The choice of Repkon as a partner is explained by the Turkish company’s expertise in manufacturing and integrating automated production lines. This collaboration reflects a diversification of supply sources and a desire to secure logistics chains in the face of current geopolitical tensions.
Repkon has gradually established itself as a key player in setting up ammunition production infrastructure. The Turkish company has already secured similar agreements in the United States, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan, contributing to the enhancement of these countries' industrial capacities. The integration of Repkon’s technology in Germany marks a significant step in expanding its international footprint. The planned facility will feature a high level of automation, minimizing human intervention and ensuring maximum safety in the shell-filling process. This technological advancement will optimize production and meet the highest standards for modern ammunition.
The signed agreement also includes a substantial order of 155mm shells, a crucial element for Germany, whose ammunition reserves have been significantly depleted by the extensive military support provided to Ukraine. The ongoing war has exposed a structural weakness in Western stockpiles, which have been unable to keep pace with Russia’s production rate. Moscow reportedly manufactures approximately 250,000 shells per month, a figure far exceeding the combined capacity of Western industries. This imbalance has led to the establishment of initiatives such as the "artillery coalition," designed to coordinate and streamline ammunition aid to Ukraine by pooling allied efforts to meet the urgent needs of Ukrainian forces.
Additionally, Repkon has recently reinforced its expertise through the acquisition of Bowas, a company specializing in the design and production of equipment for explosive material manufacturing and demining. With operations in Austria, Italy, and Switzerland, Bowas possesses extensive expertise in both military and civilian sectors, enabling Repkon to offer a comprehensive solution covering the entire ammunition production process—from manufacturing metal shell casings to filling them with advanced explosives. This technological integration enhances the Turkish company’s competitiveness in the global market and allows it to deliver optimized solutions to partner defense industries.
The planned facility in Germany is part of a broader trend of industrial cooperation in the armament sector. As states seek to strengthen their strategic autonomy, the agreement with Repkon reflects a commitment to accelerating the establishment of new production capacities and diversifying suppliers. At the same time, Berlin is intensifying efforts to reinforce its military capabilities, with significant increases in defense budgets and investments in industrial infrastructure. This project represents a major step toward consolidating a more resilient industrial base capable of addressing current and future security challenges.
With this cooperation, Germany is taking another step in restructuring its defense industry while expanding its strategic alliances. The ramp-up of 155mm shell production on its territory is expected to increase its autonomy in ammunition supply and better address the needs of European armed forces. As demand continues to rise—particularly due to the conflict in Ukraine—the commissioning of this facility will help reduce dependence on external supply chains and strengthen production capacity on a continental scale.
The expansion of Western production capabilities is now seen as a strategic necessity, both to support Ukraine in its war efforts and to ensure the operational readiness of NATO armies. In this context, the alliance between Repkon and a German manufacturer is part of a broader effort to reinforce European industrial synergies, in response to rearmament imperatives and the security challenges posed by ongoing geopolitical tensions.