State Defence Corporation Presents Initial Works at the Modular Propellant Charge Production Facility Site

On Thursday, 18 September 2025, “State Defence Corporation”, LLC (the Corporation) introduced the site of its project “PROduction of ModuLar Charges with TripLe and Double Base PrOpellant” or ROLLO and presented the recently commenced site development and infrastructure works. Information was also provided on the next phases of the project. 

Foto: Gatis Dieziņš, Aizsardzības ministrija

The event was attended by the Board Member of the Corporation Ingrīda Ķirse, Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds, Chairman of Bauska Municipality Council Aivars Mačeks, and Chairman of the Management Board of the construction company “UPB Nams” Kaspars Rožkalns.

Ingrīda Ķirse, Head of the Corporation, stated: “We would like to thank all those we have cooperated with – those who have supported us, allocated funding for the project, and contributed to the complex process of preparing and coordinating documentation – including the Ministry of Defence and the Government of Latvia, the European Commission, and our consortium partners in Italy, France, Norway and Finland. We are also grateful for the constructive cooperation with the municipality, designers, contractors, construction supervisors, and various institutions. As a result, within a short period of time, we have completed all necessary preparatory work to commence practical activities in compliance with safety, construction, environmental and other requirements, and in line with Latvia’s defence needs.”

Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds emphasised: “The establishment of this facility is a strategically significant step in strengthening Latvia’s defence capabilities and developing our defence industry. With the support of our partners and through joint efforts, we will not only ensure the supply needs of the National Armed Forces but also actively contribute to strengthening Europe’s overall ammunition production capacity. Work is progressing according to plan, with the aim of commencing production in the second half of next year.”

Chairman of Bauska Municipality Council Aivars Mačeks added: “It is encouraging to see Latvia moving in the right direction in the field of defence. The works commenced here are clear evidence of that. I wish for their successful continuation and for the outcome to strengthen our security. Iecava has historically been associated with / related to the military sector, therefore the location of the future facility here is no coincidence. This facility is important for our country – it will serve as a pillar of security located right here in Iecava Parish.”

Kaspars Rožkalns, Chairman of the Management Board of “UPB Nams”, noted: “The future facility is an integral part of a broader supply chain, and the scale and complexity of the project require a tailored approach. Its implementation demands high precision, in-depth expertise, and seamless teamwork at every stage – from design to construction – for which we assume full responsibility under the Design & Build contract. To meet the specific technical requirements, we are integrating proven industry solutions and international experience gained from similar projects outside Latvia.”

More photos: HERE, author: Gatis Dieziņš, Ministry of Defence.

About ROLLO

The aim of the ROLLO project is to increase production capacity for modular propellant charges in Europe, including the establishment of an ammunition assembly facility in Latvia. It is one of the largest and most comprehensive projects funded under the Europe’s regulation “Act of Support in Ammunition Production”. The project is also co-financed from the state budget of Latvia.

The project is implemented by the Corporation in cooperation with experienced industry partners from Italy (lead partner), France, Norway and Finland. This enables Latvia to rapidly acquire the necessary expertise for further development, establish the facility in line with planned objectives, advance the industrialisation of the defence sector, support the supply of the National Armed Forces, and integrate into international ammunition supply chains.

To comply with regulatory requirements across various fields – including construction, safety and environmental protection – the necessary preparatory work has already been carried out. This includes site assessments, documentation preparation, and coordination with relevant stakeholders and institutions. Key decisions regarding the project have been approved at government level and, in part, at the level of the European Commission.

The facility will be in Iecava Parish, Bauska Municipality, on state-owned land. The area has historically been, and continues to be, associated with military use.

Initial and Planned Works

The site development and infrastructure works include activities necessary for the further implementation of the project, such as site preparation and the construction and reinforcement of access roads. This phase also includes site restoration upon completion of the works.

All planned works are being carried out with the aim of commencing production in the third quarter of next year.

Notice to the Public

Residents are advised to exercise caution during the site development and infrastructure works and are strongly encouraged not to approach the area, including operating machinery.

Information regarding the development of the facility will continue to be provided to the public to the extent permitted by the specific nature of the defence sector and the site.

About the “State Defence Corporation”

The Corporation was established following a decision by the Government of Latvia in November 2023. Its aims are to support the long-term development of Latvia’s defence industry, manage investments in the sector, and coordinate processes related to the production of military goods. Through these activities, the Corporation contributes to strengthening the supply capabilities of the NAF, supporting the growth of Latvia’s defence industry, and ensuring the security and continuity of international supply chains. The Corporation works in sectors that require significant state involvement and are not served by the private sector.

The Corporation also fosters national and cross-border cooperation and partnerships. The company is a wholly state-owned enterprise, with the Ministry of Defence acting as its shareholder. In 2025, the Corporation was registered in the Register of Enterprises as a company of significance to national security.

MORE INFORMATION
AGNESE KORBE 
State Defence Corporation 
Communication and Stakeholder Relations Manager
+371 29110062 
agnese.korbe@defencecorporation.lv 
defencecorporation.lv
linkedin.com/defence-corporation