Explosion at KNDS arms factory

On March 10, 2023, an explosion occurred at the KNDS arms factory in the Centre-Val de Loire region, France, resulting in one death and one injury. The incident involved Salah G., a 42-year-old test supervisor, and Paul S., a new employee, during a test of a 25-137 arrow shell, a medium caliber model from the 1881 arsenal.

Cause of the explosion

The explosion happened when the breech of the firing device moved backward instead of forward, leading to the fatal accident. Salah G. was killed, and Paul S. suffered a permanently disabled arm. The incident was traced to the use of a hammer to insert a slightly "over-sized" shell into the firing chamber, a method not prescribed in any official operating manual or technical sheet.

Trial and family statements

The incident was brought to trial on October 14, 2026, with KNDS management and the families of the deceased and injured present. Salah G.'s daughter stated that her father went to work as usual but never returned. The test involved loading the shell into a firing device, but the breech moved in the wrong direction, causing the explosion.

Management's response and expert opinion

KNDS management, represented by director Philippe, argued that the accident was due to Salah G.'s error, emphasizing the company's trauma and commemorative efforts. However, pyrotechnicians familiar with the 25-137 arrow shell stated that using a hammer was necessary due to the shell's size and that the method was taught during training.

Context of the accident

The accident occurred a year after the start of the war in Ukraine, leading to increased state orders for KNDS. The trial raised questions about whether Salah G. deviated from protocol due to pressure from test schedules. Paul S. stated that Salah G. was busy with tests but not under particular pressure.

Communication and legal consequences

The lawyer for the plaintiffs highlighted a divide between management and workers, suggesting that the hierarchy was unaware of the over-sizing anomaly of the shell, which had passed technical inspections since 1997. This lack of communication between management and workers was described as two separate worlds that did not coexist.

Aftermath and legal action

Following the accident, several employees left the factory. The prosecutor requested a fine of 120,000 euros and coverage of legal costs against KNDS for negligence and recklessness. KNDS had recently signed a new contract worth 130 million euros for a series of Leopard 2 tanks, making the requested fine a minor expense.