Finland has announced plans to build a new TNT production facility to strengthen ammunition supplies across Europe.
The €200 million ($208 million) factory will be constructed by Finnish explosives manufacturer Forcit in the city of Pori, located on Finland’s west coast.
Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen stated that the initiative aims to address the shortage of explosives and the resulting challenges in ammunition production throughout Europe.
He emphasised the plant’s strategic importance, noting that it will enhance European defence capabilities and contribute to the long-term supply of ammunition to Ukraine.
“With this new TNT plant, we are responding to the explosives shortage and the ammunition production problems it causes throughout Europe,” Hakkanen said in a statement.
On Friday, Hakkanen signed a letter of intent with Forcit for the procurement of TNT explosives. The company confirmed its plans to invest over €200 million in the facility, citing the current lack of TNT production capacity in Europe.
“Investing in Finland is an investment in increasing the safety and security of not only Finland but also Europe as a whole,” said Forcit’s Chief Executive, Joakim Westerlund.
The European Union has been increasing efforts to boost weapons production to sustain military support for Ukraine and strengthen its defensive capabilities.
Meanwhile, 19 out of the 27 EU member states, including France, Germany, and Finland, have urged the European Investment Bank (EIB) to expand funding for the defence sector.
In a joint letter circulated on Friday, they called for increased financial support to reinforce Europe’s military capabilities.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stressed the significance of these efforts.
“Strengthening the EU’s defence is an existential question for Finland and Europe as a whole. This means we have to use all the means at our disposal. Boosting private funding is a key priority,” Orpo said.
