The Bundeskartellamt has granted approval for a joint venture between Nammo Raufoss AS from Norway and Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG to produce 155 mm artillery ammunition. This collaboration aims to fulfill a significant contract awarded by the German armed forces.

Nammo is already a major producer of 155 mm artillery ammunition but lacks production facilities in Germany. In contrast, Diehl has limited experience in this specific area of ammunition production.

The two companies participated together in a bidding process for a large-scale contract from the Bundeswehr for the manufacture and delivery of 155 mm artillery ammunition, which they successfully won. To execute this contract, they will establish a jointly held GmbH, with Diehl responsible for building the necessary production facility in Germany and managing the manufacturing process.

Nammo, as the developer of the ammunition, will license the required intellectual property rights and supply certain components for production. Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt, noted that Diehl would not have been able to fulfill the contract independently, and the collaboration with Nammo enhances competition rather than restricts it.

This joint venture is expected to ensure a reliable supply of 155 mm artillery ammunition for the Bundeswehr and its allies, with other nations also authorized to place orders for the ammunition.