TRZ Kragujevac ready to disassemble ammunition – NATO states donate EUR 3.7 million for procurement of equipment

The capacities of Tehnicki Remontni Zavod Kragujevac have been expanded thanks to the logistics agreement between Serbia and NATO and TRZK can officially start disassembling ammunition, reported the Embassy of Norway in Serbia.

As reported, the Serbian Armed Forces will be able to destroy nearly 2,000 tons of surplus ammunition, which is a potential safety risk. The process of a safe disassembly of ammunition involves the destructing or recycling of gunpowder, with metal parts being used as raw material.

The funds were provided by the NATO trust fund, which Serbia had asked for help.

In November 2011, Serbia initiated the formation of the trust fund for disassembly and destruction of surplus ammunition and expansion of TRZK capacities. NATO approved the motion in mid-2013. The fund includes the donation of the NATO states, including Norway, in the total amount of EUR 3.7 million for the procurement of equipment for TRZK and for training.

Following the completion of the project, the equipment will remain in TRZK, which will be turned into a regional center for destruction of surplus ammunition and equipment.

Many countries are facing the problem of surplus outdated ammunition. The destruction needs to be carried out in a safe and environmentally sound manner, which entails complex industrial processes and large expenses.

The Ambassador of Norway to Serbia, Arne Sannes Bjornstad has estimated this as another good example of NATO's support to the Serbian Armed Forces.

– Norway was happy to support reducing the risk of incidents, but also of theft, as well as freeing defense resources in order to be used for things more useful than the safe, but still expensive storage of outdated ammunition – the ambassador said.

TRZ Kragujevac

Ambasada Kraljevine Norveške u Beogradu

Vojska Srbije

Tehnicko Remontni Zavod Kragujevac

NATO

disassembling ammunition

Embassy of Norway in Serbia

destruction of ammunition

Arne Sannes Bjornstad