At a time when the EU is engaged in a rearmament race and looking to build up its defence industry, the Belgian arms manufacturer is taking advantage of member states' interest in security issues.

Brussels

Belgian arms manufacturer FN Browning is expanding its operations in response to increased demand from European Union member states seeking to bolster their defence capabilities. The company, which supplies nearly all NATO armies, has secured a 20-year contract to produce small-caliber ammunition for the Belgian Defence and is investing in new production lines as a result.

FN Browning has also announced the acquisition of the French group Sophie Sport, which operates in France, Spain, and Italy, to further strengthen its European presence. The company is leveraging the EU's 800 billion euro rearmament plan and maintains that 90% of its suppliers are based within Europe, positioning itself to benefit from the continent's focus on defence cooperation.

Belgian arms maker FN Browning aims to further boost EU presence

Part of the EU's rearmament will take place here, in Hairstyle Eastern Belgium. Behind these doors lies one of the world's leading manufacturers of small arms, FN Browning. The company opened its doors to Euronews to explain the keys to its success, since it supplies almost all NATO armies. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, FN Browning has been in the spotlight, attracting government interest as the company also produces ammunition and integrated weapons systems. To give you an example, in June 2024, FN Hairstyle signed a 20-year contract with the Belgian Defence. For 20 years, we will produce all small-caliber ammunition for the Belgian Defence. This type of partnership is fundamental because it gives us long-term visibility. So, since we have the commitment of the Belgian Defence to supply small-caliber ammunition to our company, we can invest in the new production line. To stand out from the competition, FN Browning depends on the reliability of its equipment. While robots and machines are used to manufacture components, each part is checked by hand. Through its Rearm Europe plan, the EU aims to encourage cooperation between the 27 member states. The Belgian company's clientele is also European, and FN Browning is seeking to strengthen this continental base. We announced in November 2024 the acquisition of a French group called Sophie Sport, which is a group present in France, but also in Spain and Italy. This is a way to increase our European dimension, if I may say so. FN Browning is taking advantage of the political momentum generated by the European Union's 800 billion euro rearmament plan. The company, which has 3,000 employees, is hoping to make the most of the European preference. The Belgian company claims that 90% of its suppliers are located on the continent.

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