A significant explosion has been reported at a major Italian manufacturer of medium- and large-caliber ammunition, formerly known as Simmel Difesa, which operates in Colleferro and Anagni, near Rome.
Local Italian outlet Sky TG24 reports that the incident occurred at the facility of the former Simmel Difesa, currently owned by KNDS Ammo Italy. The plant, located in the Quarto Chilometro area, produces medium- and large-caliber ammunition for land and naval defense, as well as solid fuels for aerospace launch vehicles. The explosion is said to have taken place in the powder pressing department, causing a loud noise that alarmed residents in the vicinity.
KNDS Ammo Italy is a leading producer of a wide range of ammunition, including complete ammunition ranging from 25mm to 155mm, naval rounds, medium-caliber ammunition for various applications, artillery ammunition, propellant powders, explosives, warheads, missile components, and more.
The cause of the explosion, extent of damage, and impact on production lines have not been disclosed yet. Given the current geopolitical tensions, there is heightened scrutiny on whether the blast was a result of sabotage or hostile action.
KNDS Ammo Italy is also Italy’s largest producer of medium- and large-caliber ammunition, supplying naval guns among other products. Any disruption in supply could have significant implications for naval ammunition, anti-air and anti-drone ammunition, propellant charges, fuzes, explosives, and missile components.
In the US, a similar incident occurred in late 2025 at Accurate Energetic Systems, a key defense contractor specializing in high explosives for the military. Stockpiles and other KNDS plants could potentially mitigate any outage at KNDS Ammo Italy, but a prolonged disruption in production could impact the supply chain and require lengthy qualification processes for alternative ammunition.