France to Resume Production of 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm Caliber Ammunition by 2028

France will resume its own production of small-caliber ammunition by 2028. The project calls for the annual production of 50 million rounds of 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm ammunition to meet the army’s needs.

This was announced by Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin, who made a statement to that effect during parliamentary hearings, according to Forces Operations Blog.

She confirmed that the process of establishing an industrial branch has entered the practical phase.

Currently, four European companies have five days to submit their final proposals to the Directorate General for Armaments. €80 million has been allocated for the project, which has already been included in the 2026 defense budget.

Among the main contenders for the contract is the Belgian company FN Browning, which has already completed the acquisition of the French firm Sofisport. The company plans to establish a new ammunition assembly line in the Drôme department.

The next two years will be needed to obtain construction permits and complete certification of the ammunition assembly lines.

The plant is expected to reach its planned capacity of 50 million units in 2029.