ROLLO – Modular Propellant Charge Production Facility for Artillery Ammunition
ROLLO, or the project “PROduction of ModuLar Charges with TripLe and Double base PrOpellant”, is one of the largest projects funded under the European regulation “Act of Support in Ammunition Production” / ASAP (contract No: ASAP-2024-101172125-ROLLO).
This is the first project implemented by the State Defence Corporation and will result in the establishment of the first modular propellant charge production facility in the Baltics.
Objectives of ROLLO
To establish a production facility for modular propellant charges for 155 mm artillery ammunition in Latvia
To increase production capacity for modular propellant charges for artillery across Europe and improve their availability to the National Armed Forces
To strengthen defence capabilities and ensure the security and continuity of supply chains
Partners of ROLLO
The project is implemented by an international consortium, consisting of:
Lead partner – KNDS (Italy)
NAMMO (Finland)
KNDS (France)
State Defence Corporation (Latvia)
Implementation of ROLLO
In late 2023, the consortium applied under a European Commission grant call. In spring 2024, the Commission designated ROLLO as a priority project and confirmed the allocation of funding. Subsequently, in autumn 2024, a grant agreement was signed between the consortium and the European Commission.
Practical implementation of the project in Latvia commenced in 2024, including the preparation of documentation and the signing of contracts. In the third quarter of 2025, preparatory infrastructure works began at the future production site, followed by the start of construction at the end of 2025. Construction is scheduled for completion by mid-2026, with production planned to commence in the third quarter of 2026.
The project partners are experienced defence industry companies with an established international track record. The project is being implemented in compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements in construction, safety, environmental protection and other relevant areas. Information about ROLLO is disclosed to the extent permitted by the nature of the project and the sector.
Publicity of ROLLO
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. More: HERE.
On Thursday, 18 September 2025, State Defence Corporation Ltd (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. More: HERE.
In line with the previously planned schedule, site development and infrastructure works are expected to commence in early September 2025. These works will prepare the area for the subsequent construction of the modular propellant charge assembly facility. During the works, residents are advised to exercise caution and to avoid approaching the site, including operating machinery. More: HERE.
On Tuesday, 18 February 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers decided on several significant measures to promote the development of Latvia’s defence industry. In particular, the government approved the allocation of 26 282 630 EUR from the Ministry of Defence budget to be invested in the establishment of a modular propellant charge plant. The property “Ziemeļnieki” in Iecava parish, Bauska Municipality, where the plant is planned, was also granted the status of a national interest object. More: HERE.
In order to support the development of the state-owned company State Defence Corporation Ltd its share capital will be increased by EUR 1.1 million, according to an order approved by the Government of Latvia on 16 July 2024. More: HERE.
A plant for artillery ammunition components will be established in Iecava, becoming the first facility of its kind on such a scale in the Baltic States, Defence Minister Andris Sprūds revealed in an interview with the news agency LETA. More: HERE.
In order to increase modular charge production capacity in Europe, including the establishment of an ammunition assembly facility in Latvia, a grant agreement was signed in November 2024 between a consortium of defence industry companies from five European countries and the European Commission for €41 million under the project ROLLO. Latvia in this consortium and project is represented by State Defence Corporation Ltd (SIA “Valsts aizsardzības korporācija”). More: HERE.
To increase the production capacity of modular charges in Europe, including the establishment of an ammunition assembly plant in Latvia, a grant agreement worth EUR 41 million was signed in November 2024 between a consortium of defence industry companies from five European countries and the European Commission for the implementation of the project ROLLO. Latvia is represented in this consortium and project by “State Defence Corporation” Ltd. (the Corporation). More: HERE.
Today, 15 March 2024, the European Commission decided to allocate € 500 million for the development of the European Union’s defence industry under the Regulation establishing the Act in Support of Ammunition Production. This will enable the European defence industry to increase its artillery ammunition production capacity to two million rounds per year by the end of 2025. More: HERE.