SOFIA, Bulgaria - The Bulgarian government and Rheinmetall have inked a deal on the creation of an ammunition production plant in the southeastern European country.

Rheinmetall and VMZ will jointly operate the plant, with the German company owning a 51 percent stake in the project. Reuters reported that the Bulgarian government will use funding from the Security Action for Europe financial instrument, through which the government can access loans underpinned with the E.U.'s AAA credit rating.

"With the signing of this contract, we mark the beginning of a strategic partnership between the Bulgarian state and the German technology concern, which will change the future of the Bulgarian defense industry," said Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov.

Armin Papperger, the CEO of Rheinmetall, stated at a ceremony that the plant should be finished before the end of 2026.

Once operational, the plant will produce 155mm artillery shells.

Source: Reuters
Associated URL: https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/bulgaria-rheinmetall-seal-1-billion-euro-deal-produce-gunpowder-ammunition-2025-10-28/

MAGAMAGA, Uganda - Russia has provided military equipment valued at $53 million to the Uganda People's Defense Force. Russian Ambassador Vladlen Semivolos stated this marks the initial phase of a two-part aid package. The second phase will focus on infrastructure, including a maintenance center in Magamaga, plus a boat storage facility and floating pier in Entebbe, with completion expected by September 2026.

Reported images revealed that shipment included two IMR armored engineering vehicles, a TMK-2 trenching machine, GAZ-66 trucks with shelters, towed generators, and other unspecified items. The IMRs, built on T-55 tank chassis, are equipped with bulldozer blades and telescopic arms for clearing obstacles. The donation may have also included maritime assets like a Project BL-820 boat and two smaller rigid-hull inflatables from Mnev & Co.

Source: Janes
Associated URL: https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/land/russia-donates-equipment-to-updf

SEOUL - Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur and South Korean Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-back signed a defense cooperation agreement in Seoul. Under this new agreement, Estonia plans to purchase South Korean Chunmoo rocket launchers to integrate with its existing U.S.-made HIMARS units. The cooperation also includes provisions that will result in tens of millions of euros in direct investments for the Estonian defense industry.

Expanding Deep-Strike Capability

Estonia is rapidly working to increase its deep-strike capability to enhance its defence and deterrence posture within the broader NATO framework. The procurement of the South Korean K239 Chunmoo rocket launchers will supplement the Defence Forces' current U.S. HIMARS units. The country is also continuing the process of acquiring additional HIMARS launchers from the United States.

The Minister of Defence noted that possessing the ability to influence an adversary deep within its territory is a crucial defense requirement. The Estonian Defence Forces selected the Chunmoo systems manufactured by a South Korean company, a combination of U.S. and South Korean rocket launchers similar to the solution used by Poland.

A significant aspect of the agreement is the principle of localization, ensuring that a substantial portion of the transaction value will be invested directly into the Estonian defense industry.

Technical discussions regarding the procurement of the Chunmoo systems will continue between the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI), the Korean export agency, and the manufacturer. The next procedural step is the conclusion of the necessary framework agreements.

Estonia has a history of defense cooperation with South Korea; the nation’s K9 self-propelled howitzers were manufactured by Hanwha Aerospace. Estonia is scheduled to possess a total of 36 K9 howitzers by the end of next year.

Source: Forecast International
Associated URL: https://www.kaitseministeerium.ee/en/news/addition-us-himars-estonia-plans-purchase-south-korean-chunmoo-rocket-launchers