As previously reported, AKM Group-CZ completed the year 2024 with the successful implementation of an important milestone: the annual ‘Programme for the Development of Own Logistics Infrastructure’. As part of this programme, the company opened its own Customs Terminal for the transshipment and storage of weapons and ammunition of all calibres. This significant achievement laid the foundation for the next strategic step in the company’s development.
Today, AKM Group-CZ officially approved the “Production Ramp-up Programme”.
AKM Group-CZ took the first steps towards forming and approving this “Programme” back in 2023. That is when the company began preparatory work for the future launch of joint production of weapons and ammunition with its partners. Thanks to this, by the end of 2024, AKM Group-CZ already has experience in the joint production of large-calibre cartridges and filling mortar shells with explosives.
Today’s approved “Production Ramp-up Programme” covers three years and provides for work in several areas at once.
Large-calibre machine guns
One of the most important vectors of the ‘Programme’ is the joint production with partners of Browning-type .50 BMG large-calibre machine guns. Work on these machine guns began even before the ‘Programme’ was adopted. It is planned that serial production will start as early as 2025.
120 mm mines
The scarce 120 mm mine is an important part of the ‘Programme’. Serial manufacture of this ammunition in collaboration with partners is expected to begin by summer 2025. Preparation of engineering documentation is now actively underway, suppliers of components are being selected, and their production facilities and technologies are being inspected. There are also plans to create additional assembly facilities for the ramp-up of production volumes.
155 mm calibre ammunition
AKM Group-CZ has launched a joint production of 155 mm artillery ammunition. Serial production of ready-made products is scheduled for autumn. Preparatory work is already underway: preparation of engineering documentation, selection of suppliers of components, inspection of their production facilities and technologies.
40 mm NATO standard automatic grenade launcher
The AKM Group-CZ ‘“Production Ramp-up Programme”’ also includes the joint production with partners of a NATO-standard 40 mm automatic grenade launcher.
According to the approved plan, the release of prototypes and the start of weapons testing at the proving ground will take place in the second quarter of 2025. The start of serial production is scheduled for the end of 2025.
Also under the ‘Programme’, it is planned to begin joint with partners production of grenades for automatic and underbarrel grenade launchers. The beginning of serial production is planned for the third quarter of 2025.
Prototypes will first be manufactured for each type of product and tested at a proving ground under conditions as close as possible to combat conditions. Based on the test results, technological adjustments will be made if necessary. This will be followed by certification and codification in accordance with NATO standards and the assignment of a NATO number. After that, serial production and delivery of products to the End User will begin.
‘We have ambitious plans, but they are all based on preliminary work, our knowledge and a deep understanding of the processes. We are making every effort to launch and implement each of the areas outlined in our “Production Ramp-up Programme”,’ said Jaroslav Nadvorník, the Member of the Board of Directors.
Each of the production areas is part of the global long-term development vector of AKM Group-CZ. The company aims to localise production, achieve technological independence and maintain consistently high quality standards for all products.