Officials declined to comment on whether the facility produces ammunition for Ukraine. At the same time, the defense minister dismissed speculation about possible Russian sabotage.
“There is no indication to anyone that this could be anything other than an internal problem,” Crosetto said.
The Franco-German defense group KNDS, which owns the plant, confirmed that an investigation into all the circumstances of the incident is currently underway.
Investigating possible links and opposition reaction
Meanwhile, prosecutors are investigating a possible link between the explosion at the plant near Rome and similar incidents at military facilities in Bulgaria. Investigators declined to comment to the media.
Against this backdrop, Carlo Calenda, leader of the opposition Azione party, called on the government to urgently brief Parliament.
“We cannot remain in uncertainty over a possible Russian hybrid attack,” the politician said.
What happened
The incident occurred on August 13 at the KNDS Ammo Italy facility in Colleferro, southeast of Rome. A fire initially broke out on the plant’s premises, followed by an explosion. No one was injured.
The explosion occurred in a workshop where gunpowder is pressed. According to witnesses, they first heard a powerful explosion, after which the plant’s alarm system was activated.
The facility specializes in producing medium- and large-caliber ammunition for land and naval forces, as well as solid propellant for aerospace launch vehicles.
KNDS Ammo Italy is part of the European defense group KNDS, which cooperates with Ukraine on ammunition production and weapons supplies.