Croatia has joined a framework agreement for the supply of medium- and large-caliber ammunition to European Union member states, a deal that could be worth up to €58 billion over seven years.
The annex enabling Croatia to conclude implementing contracts was signed by Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák, his Croatian counterpart Ivan Anušić, and representatives of ZVS Holding. The original framework agreement was concluded in December between ZVS Holding, part of the CSG group, and the Slovak Ministry of Defense.
The agreement is open to all EU member states, allowing them to benefit from advantageous supply terms. After Croatia’s accession, specific delivery contracts will be negotiated based on the requirements of the Croatian armed forces, though their value and scope have not yet been determined.
A framework for European defense
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the critical importance of ammunition stockpiles and production capacity. European countries have been urgently working to bolster their defense industrial base. – The addition of Croatia to the framework agreement is further confirmation that ammunition produced by CSG group companies is highly valued by the market – said Wojciech Grzonka, president of CSG Polska and vice president of sales at CSG group.
The Slovak defense minister emphasized the strategic benefits for his country. – Croatia’s accession confirms that Slovakia, through ZVS Holding, is able to offer European partners reliable, long-term ammunition supplies. This is good news for the Slovak defense industry, the labor market, and public finances – said Robert Kaliňák.
Strategic production capacity in Central Europe
ZVS Holding is one of the key ammunition manufacturers in Central Europe. Since 2015, the company has been owned equally by DMD Group, a state-owned enterprise under the Slovak Ministry of Defense, and MSM Group, a subsidiary of the Czech defense conglomerate CSG. This public-private partnership has allowed ZVS Holding to significantly increase its production capacities and become a major supplier to NATO and EU armed forces.
CSG is a European defense group headquartered in Prague, operating key production facilities in the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Serbia, and India. The group employs over 14,000 people and reported annual revenues of €6.7 billion in 2025. Its portfolio includes Excalibur Army (land systems), Tatra Trucks (vehicles), MSM Group (artillery ammunition), and The Kinetic Group (small-caliber ammunition).
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Shutterstock
