Kuwait has taken a historic step towards enhancing its defense capabilities. On Monday, 16 February 2026, Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah inaugurated the country’s first ‘Naif Light Ammunition Factory’. The factory is the first facility of its kind in Kuwait, where ammunition will be manufactured locally. This step is being considered as a big leap towards strengthening the country’s military preparedness and self-reliance in defense production.
Specialty of the factory and China’s cooperation
This new factory is a major achievement for the Ministry of Defense of Kuwait. Naif Light Ammunition Factory will manufacture light ammunition as per NATO requirements and standards. China’s leading company NORINCO has played an important role in this project.
China’s Consul General Liu Jiang said that this factory takes the strategic partnership between Kuwait and China to new heights. At the same time, Norinco CEO Ji Wei has assured that they will work with Kuwaiti partners to produce high quality ammunition and also provide technical training to local employees.
Who attended the inauguration ceremony?
Many senior officials of Kuwait were present in this grand inauguration ceremony. The Prime Minister himself started the production by pressing the operational button. Also present were Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah and Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Defense Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Meshaal Mubarak Al-Sabah.
Major General Salaud Saud Al-Ajami, Assistant Chief of Staff for Supply and Logistics, said the project reflects the vision of the political leadership and is an important initiative to improve the performance of the armed forces. The Prime Minister described it as a strategic addition to Kuwait’s defense system which is in line with modern technological standards.
