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Thales Australia and Danish-based Våbenfabrikken will work together to establish a new industrial capability in Denmark with the aim of producing, maintaining and sustaining interoperable NATO small arms in Denmark.
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The memorandum of understanding was signed on 17 September 2024 at an official signing ceremony at Våbenfabrikken’s premises in Denmark.
By partnering with Thales Australia, Våbenfabrikken’s ability to support Danish national security priorities will be enhanced through sovereign small arms production, local maintenance capabilities and future skills development.
Matt Duquemein, director Integrated Weapons System, Thales Australia, explained the importance of this collaboration, saying, “This agreement is the culmination of mutual effort, investment and trust between Våbenfabrikken, Thales Australia and Thales Denmark. This cooperation brings opportunities for both Australia, in respect to regional manufacturing, and Denmark through the provision of small arms assembly, sustainment and maintenance. We’re looking forward to working closely with Våbenfabrikken in the coming years.”
These sentiments were echoed by Kim Wiencken, chairman of the board of Våbenfabrikken, who detailed the focus of the collaborative development efforts, particularly the development of the Danish/Australian Combat Assault Rifle (DACAR).
Wiencken explained, “We are very excited to work with Thales to bring a NATO small arms production and through-life-support capacity to Denmark for the first time in nearly 60 years. This cooperation is a real opportunity for Våbenfabrikken to grow, in terms of product offerings and staff, to better respond to the priorities and needs of Danish national security. The DACAR is a powerful capability and, once in country, over time it will offer additional export opportunities for Denmark.”
The Lithgow Arms Australian Combat Assault Rifle (ACAR) is an AR-based platform designed and manufactured in a collaboration between Lithgow Arms and Wedgetail Industries. The ACAR delivers high quality and mission flexibility with dependable though life support.
Martin Soegaard, CEO of Thales Denmark, added, “There is great development in the Danish defence industry, with promising new companies, and it has always been part of Thales’ DNA to support the local defence industry in order to maximise the benefit for our customers. Bringing the Australian Combat Assault Rifle to Denmark is a step towards creating a sovereign small arms capability to support the Danish MOD in the future. With this important cooperation, Thales and Våbenfabrikken will be committed to strengthening the local defence industrial footprint in support of overall Danish national security and security of supply in key areas.”
Thales in Australia and New Zealand is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force across the land, sea and air environment. Thales employs over 4,300 people in Australia across 35 sites and supports over 2,000 jobs along its Australian supply chain.
Thales Australia designs Australian weapons for military markets – including the EF88 rifle – at its Small Arms Production Facility in Lithgow, Australia.
Våbenfabrikken is a high-end gunsmith, firearms training facility and gun dealer business in Denmark, with expert knowledge in firearms construction, use and training. Våbenfabrikken combines the long-standing tradition of Danish design, craftsmanship and knowhow, with a modern end-user focus.
Våbenfabrikken is located in the municipality of Albertslund in Denmark.
