ZVS Holding has signed a major framework agreement with Slovakia’s Ministry of Defence to deliver up to 58 billion euros ($67.41 billion) worth of ammunition for EU member states. The seven-year deal covers medium- and large-caliber munitions, including 155mm artillery shells, 120mm tank ammunition, and 30mm to 35mm cannon rounds for Slovakia and partner countries across the region.
The initiative allows participating nations to tap low-interest financing under the EU’s SAFE (Security Action for Europe) program, which offers loans at roughly 1 percent interest over repayment periods extending up to 40 years. Slovakia plans to access 2.3 billion euros ($2.67 billion) from the scheme, including over 38.5 million euros ($45 million) earmarked for expanding the Slovak Armed Forces’ medium- and large-caliber stockpiles.
According to officials, the structure enables greater procurement efficiency, centralized contract management, guaranteed European-based production, and standardized ammunition across multiple states. The arrangement also provides pricing advantages through volume-based discounts and long-term planning mechanisms. Slovakia is encouraging additional EU governments to join the framework through direct government-to-government channels, avoiding lengthy competition procedures and accelerating priority deliveries.
Slovakia is already one of the world’s most prominent producers of large-caliber ammunition, contributing about 2 percent of national GDP. The industry is driven by the CSG industrial group, with ZVS Holding acting as its core Slovak manufacturer focused mainly on 155mm ammunition and operating under joint ownership between the Slovak state and the CSG Group.
