A new shield for the nation: Kuwait inaugurates landmark ammunition factory

Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, inaugurated the Naif Light Ammunition Factory in a landmark move that strengthens the country’s defense and industrial capabilities.

The opening of Kuwait’s first locally operated ammunition manufacturing facility marks the nation’s entry into domestic defense production, reflecting a strategic commitment to enhancing military readiness, developing national expertise, and advancing security infrastructure in accordance with international standards and long-term defense objectives.

The ceremony was attended by Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Meshaal Mubarak Abdullah Al-Sabah, along with senior commanders of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces and high-ranking officials.

During the event, His Highness the Prime Minister launched the production line by pressing the operational start button, signaling the commencement of light ammunition manufacturing at the facility. He later toured the factory, where officials presented a detailed briefing on operational stages and production mechanisms, reports Al-Rai daily.

The facility represents the first experience of the Ministry of Defense in ammunition manufacturing and is the first factory of its kind in Kuwait.

Production processes are carried out in accordance with the highest international standards of quality and safety, meeting the requirements of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for light ammunition manufacturing.

In a press statement, the Prime Minister described the project as a strategic addition to Kuwait’s defense capabilities and a reflection of the state’s firm commitment to strengthening the national security and military system using advanced technical standards.

He praised the national workforce involved in completing the project and expressed confidence in their ability to efficiently operate and manage the facility.

His Highness emphasized that the factory represents a new step toward reinforcing national security, safeguarding stability, and protecting the country’s territorial integrity under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

Assistant Chief of the General Staff for Supply and Logistics, Major General Engineer Salah Saud Al-Azmi, stated that the project reflects the vision of the political leadership and represents one of the most significant initiatives aimed at enhancing the operational readiness of Kuwait’s armed forces.

He described the factory as a “smart achievement” capable of meeting the essential needs of security services while opening future prospects for ammunition development and the training of specialized national cadres.

Meanwhile, Liu Qiang, Consul of the People’s Republic of China to Kuwait, praised the longstanding relations between the two friendly nations, noting that the establishment of the factory contributes to elevating the strategic partnership between China and Kuwait.

For his part, Ji Wei, CEO of North China Military Industries (NORINCO), affirmed that the project represents a practical step toward building an independent and sustainable national defense industry.

He stressed the company’s continued cooperation with Kuwaiti partners to manufacture high-quality ammunition, transfer administrative and technical expertise, and train national personnel to manage and develop such strategic projects.

The inauguration of the Naif Light Ammunition Factory marks Kuwait’s entry into domestic ammunition production, reinforcing its defense infrastructure while supporting the development of national industrial capabilities aligned with long-term security objectives.