KNDS plans major investments in Germany

Cash injection for Leo & Co. Tank manufacturer KNDS wants to invest in Germany

2026-02-16 Source: dpa 1 min Reading Time

The Franco-German tank manufacturer KNDS is planning to invest heavily in Germany to expand production, as has now been announced.

KNDS is known worldwide as a Franco-German tank manufacturer. The 2000 self-propelled howitzer (pictured, with long barrel) and the even better-known Leopard 2 main battle tank roll out of its production halls. KNDS now wants to invest heavily in Germany ...(Image: KNDS) — KNDS is known worldwide as a Franco-German tank manufacturer. The 2000 self-propelled howitzer (pictured, with long barrel) and the even better-known Leopard 2 main battle tank roll out of its production halls. KNDS now wants to invest heavily in Germany ...
(Image: KNDS)

Over the past three years, the production capacity of the Franco-German tank specialist KNDS has already tripled. At least that's what KNDS Managing Director Jean-Paul Alary said before the start of the security conference in Munich. He mentioned planned investments of over one billion euros. Alary also confirmed plans for an IPO before the end of the year. However, the timing would also depend on market conditions. A dual listing in Paris and Frankfurt is then planned.

KNDS focuses on friends and Europe

KNDS is a manufacturer of weapon systems such as the world-famous Leopard 2 main battle tank and the no less popular 2000 self-propelled howitzer. The company was formed through the merger of Krauss-Maffei-Wegmann and the French company Nexter. KNDS is currently owned by the German family behind Krauss-Maffei-Wegmann and the French government. Alary also said that KNDS will remain a company specialising in land systems and will focus on the sovereign supply of the armed forces of European allies and partners. Incidentally, 24 European armed forces currently use weapon systems from KNDS.

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