In Bergerac, France, automated systems hum to life as raw materials are fed into the machines to initiate the creation of highly-explosive pellets destined for use in French-made artillery shells bound for Ukraine. Nestled amidst the rich medieval history of the southwestern Dordogne region, explosives manufacturer Eurenco has become a pioneer in relocating the production of a crucial skill back to France, demonstrating that Europe can revitalize its defense industrial sector.
Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu remarked, “To witness France relinquishing its gunpowder production capabilities at the turn of the 21st century was nonsensical. We were proficient in crafting the body of the bomb and the modular charge, but lacked the capacity to produce the necessary gunpowder internally, leading to dependency on sources both within and outside the European Union.”
With government backing and a 100 million euro ($108 million) investment – half of which was provided through an EU program supporting the bloc’s defense industry – Eurenco swiftly established new infrastructure in under a year. Initially targeting an annual production of 1,200 tonnes of gunpowder pellets, the output is set to increase to 1,800 tonnes, which will supply around 100,000 artillery shells, including the NATO-standard 155mm caliber utilized in weaponry like the Caesar Howitzer cannons. By comparison, Russia’s production exceeds Europe’s significantly, underscoring the region’s need for further development.
France boasts a longstanding tradition of gunpowder production tracing back to the 14th century, emphasizing self-sufficiency in arms manufacturing. Eurenco played a role in gunpowder production during World War One. However, following the Cold War, the focus veered towards more profitable military equipment, relegating less lucrative ventures like explosive powder production to insignificance, eventually relying on imports.
As Europe faces the challenges posed by the conflict in Ukraine, there is a growing impetus to reinvigorate the defense industry, recognizing Moscow as a threat and the United States – particularly under President Donald Trump – as an unpredictable ally. Weapon manufacturers anticipate sustained orders in the foreseeable future, prompting long-term investments and job creation in neglected areas.
Damien Ayesa, Eurenco’s project director, revealed that 10% of the production will cater to domestic needs, with the majority earmarked for export, notably to Ukraine. Operating round the clock, the systems are poised to meet the demand. Nonetheless, France’s transition towards a war economy lags behind that of Russia, entangled in rigorous safety regulations and raw material sourcing challenges. While two out of three essential elements for the pellets are domestically procured, one still requires overseas sourcing, a hurdle that Eurenco is actively addressing to ensure self-sufficiency and sovereignty.
“Our goal is to achieve autonomy and sovereignty,” affirmed Ayesa.
