Slovakia’s ZVS Holding has secured a long-term framework contract worth up to 58 billion euros ($67.41 billion) to supply EU militaries with medium- and large-caliber ammunition. The seven-year agreement will see ZVS deliver a wide range of munitions, such as 155mm artillery shells, 120mm tank rounds, and various cannon calibers up to 35mm, for both domestic forces and European partners.
The project enables European countries to join a unified procurement model supported by the SAFE EU defense financing initiative, which provides low-interest loans at around 1 percent and repayment timelines stretching as long as four decades. Slovakia alone intends to draw 2.3 billion euros from SAFE funding, reserving over 38.5 million euros for new ammunition acquisitions within its armed forces.
By using a single framework instead of fragmented tenders, participating states gain faster delivery timelines, predictable European supply, common ammunition standards, and reduced overall cost through consolidated bulk orders. The Slovak Ministry of Defence is inviting other EU countries to enter the framework directly, cutting administrative delays and ensuring faster replenishment of high-demand stocks amid increased defense requirements.
Slovakia already holds a prominent role in the global artillery supply chain, with large-caliber ammunition production accounting for roughly 2 percent of national GDP. The sector is anchored by CSG Group, while ZVS Holding remains Slovakia’s primary ammunition producer and key supplier of 155mm rounds, jointly owned by the CSG Group and the Slovak government.
