Time Capsule Placed in Foundations of Future Ammunition Propellant Charge Production Facility

Photo: Gatis Dieziņš, Ministry of Defence

On Thursday, 8 January 2026, a time capsule containing messages and commemorative items for future generations was placed in the foundations of the future ROLLO production facility in Iecava Parish, Bauska Municipality.

The event marked the start of active construction works on the site, developed under the “Production of Modular Charges with Triple and Double Base Propellant” project (grant agreement No. ASAP-2024-101172125-ROLLO), implemented by the “State Defence Corporation” Ltd. with international partners.

“We are living in a time when the world is fragile, yet our determination to defend freedom, as well as our commitment to Latvia’s security, remains strong. This is demonstrated by the fact that we are here today, and that in a short period of time, together with international and local partners, we have been able to prepare the project, begin its implementation, and commence construction of the factory, with the aim of starting production already in the third quarter of this year,” said Ingrīda Ķirse, Board Member of the Corporation, addressing attendees and reading the message placed in the time capsule.

She added that ROLLO is being delivered on the basis of the belief that the defence industry represents not only strength, but also maturity and responsibility. “Therefore, in the foundations of the facility there is not only concrete and steel, but also shared work, knowledge, and the conviction that this factory will be a benefit to Latvia and the wider region,” she said.

Ms Ķirse expressed her gratitude to all those involved in the delivery of the project and stated her hope that ROLLO would serve as a symbol and source of inspiration, demonstrating that Latvia is capable of achieving major objectives when there is will, purpose, cooperation, and mutual trust.

Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds said ROLLO was a strategic investment in Latvia’s and Europe’s security. He confirmed that the facility, progressing according to schedule, will significantly increase the production of critical ammunition components, strengthen the National Armed Forces, and support integration into international supply chains.

JSC “UPB” Chairman of the Board Dainis Bērziņš said the project required strict adherence to quality, safety and delivery standards, and demonstrated the capability of Latvian industry to deliver complex, high-specification defence infrastructure within tight timelines.

Bauska Municipality Council Chairman Aivars Mačeks highlighted the importance of cooperation between national and local authorities and the role of public understanding in supporting strategic infrastructure projects. He noted the site’s long historical association with defence-related activity and its continued relevance to national security.

“Firma L4” Ltd. Chairman of the Board Jānis Māsēns said the company was ensuring engineering and supervision standards to deliver a safe and resilient facility for the future.

About ROLLO

ROLLO will be the first 155 mm modular propellant charge production facility in the Baltic States. The project will increase European production capacity and establish ammunition assembly capability in Latvia. It is funded under the EU Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) Regulation and co-financed by the Latvian state.

The project is being delivered by the “State Defence Corporation” with KNDS (Italy and France) and NAMMO (Norway and Finland). The cooperation model enables rapid transfer of industrial know-how, supports the development of Latvia’s defence industrial base, and strengthens integration into international ammunition supply chains.

All preparatory works, including site surveys, documentation, permitting and regulatory approvals, have been completed. The site in Iecava Parish, Bauska Municipality, is state-owned and has a long historical association with defence activity dating back several centuries, including former artillery production in the region.

ROLLO remains subject to applicable security and confidentiality requirements due to its defence industry nature.

Explanation of modular propellant charges for artillery ammunition

A modular propellant charge for artillery ammunition (propellant charge, artillery propellant charge, expelling charge) is a cylindrical component approximately 15 cm in height and 155 mm in diameter.

It is used to generate the gas pressure required to propel a projectile out of the barrel of an artillery weapon. Depending on the required range, between four and six charges are typically used to fire a single projectile.

The projectile itself resembles a large cartridge, approximately 80 cm in length and weighing around 40 kg. Depending on the number of charges used and the type of howitzer, it can be fired up to approximately 40 km (typically 25–30 km).

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. The Corporation is 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
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