Press Release
4iG S&D, CSG expand defence alliance, CSG acquires Hirtenberger stake
- CSG acquires 49% HDS stake; 4iG S&D retains majority control. Under Budapest agreement, Czechoslovak Group (CSG) acquires 49% minority stake in Hirtenberger Defence Systems (HDS). 4iG S&D maintains 51% ownership and operational control.
- Alliance to scale HDS international presence, meet surging European demand. Partnership targets production expansion and integrated R&D to ensure regional security of supply.
- Plans include new Hungarian production facility, Slovakian joint venture. Partners evaluate greenfield investment in Hungary and Slovakian JV to support international sales and assembly.
4iG Space and Defence (4iG S&D) and Czech CSG regional cooperation enters new phase. Under agreement terms, CSG acquires 49% minority stake in Hirtenberger Defence Systems (HDS), 4iG S&D subsidiary specialising in mortar systems and 60mm, 81mm, and 120mm calibre mortar ammunition. 4iG S&D retains 51%
majority ownership and management control. Partnership focuses on scaling production, strengthening export presence, and integrating
joint R&D capabilities to address rising European defence demand.
CSG subsidiary MSM Group brings world-class ammunition and explosives expertise, complementing HDS operations. Integration creates synergies across
entire value chain, from R&D to supply chain optimisation.
“This agreement solidifies our strategic partnership with CSG, establishing a multi-country, integrated defence industrial
framework. HDS is a 160-year-old industry leader with an active presence in European and overseas export markets. Our goal
is to strengthen these international sales capabilities and scale production. Simultaneously, we aim for HDS to become a reliable
national supplier for the Hungarian Defence Forces while strengthening our regional presence with advanced mortar systems” – said István Sárhegyi, CEO of 4iG S&D.
“By acquiring a stake in Hirtenberger Defence Systems, CSG is expanding its portfolio with another key segment. At the same
time, we are gaining cutting-edge technological know-how and new production capacities. This will enable us to increase ammunition
output for both European and global customers. As a result, we will be able to respond even more flexibly to the growing demand
for ammunition within NATO and partner countries” – said Jiří Novotný, COO of MSM Group.
The partnership aims to create a robust Central European industrial framework to meet surging international demand. Beyond
the existing Austrian plant, companies explore a Slovakian joint venture for international sales support and joint industrial programs. Partners also evaluate a greenfield investment to establish new production capacities in Hungary.
The agreement is part of a broader strategic alliance between 4iG S&D and CSG, covering several business areas, including
the domestic market representation of TATRA vehicles and joint manufacturing projects at RÁBA. This includes the recently launched HUMARS integration program in Győr, integrating HIMARS rocket launcher modules onto RÁBA-manufactured Tatra platforms.
As part of cooperation, CSG Group acquires an indirect 37% stake in RÁBA Automotive Holding Plc. In compliance with capital market regulations, the acquisition process is currently ongoing and will be finalized upon completion
of the necessary regulatory approvals and procedures.x
31 March 2026
4iG Space and Defence Technologies (4iG S&D)
4iG S&D is a Hungarian company operating as a member of 4iG Group, specializing in the research and development, system integration
and international commercialization of defence and space technologies. The company aims to contribute to the development of
NATO-compatible defence capabilities through innovative solutions, while serving as a bridge between the Hungarian technology
sector and the global defence industry. 4iG S&D is a key player in Hungary’s defence innovation ecosystem and actively participates
in the preparation of dual-use technologies for civilian applications. www.4igsdt.hu
Hirtenberger Defence Systems (HDS)
With a heritage of over 160 years, Austria-based Hirtenberger Defence Systems (HDS) is a leading global developer, manufacturer,
and supplier of high-performance mortar systems. Its comprehensive portfolio—encompassing mortar ammunition, weapon systems,
auxiliary field equipment, and advanced aiming and sighting systems—reflects the company’s diverse engineering expertise and
technological depth. HDS serves an extensive international customer base, exporting to armed forces worldwide. The superior
performance of HDS systems stems from the seamless integration of key technologies and decades of experience in synchronizing
the development of launchers and corresponding ammunition.www.hds.hirtenberger.com
CSG
CSG N.V. is a Dutch company and a leading European defence industrial group, with its top management headquartered in Prague,
Czech Republic. CSG develops and delivers defence and industrial technologies that contribute to a safer and more stable future.
The Group focuses on the development and manufacturing of strategically important products, systems and technologies in the
fields of defence and ammunition, as well as in related sectors such as aerospace. CSG operates key manufacturing facilities
in the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Serbia and India, and exports
its products worldwide. The Group continues to invest in the growth of its portfolio companies and the expansion of its core
business activities. Key companies within the Group include Excalibur Army (Czech Republic, land systems), Tatra Trucks (Czech
Republic, vehicles), MSM Group (Slovakia, artillery ammunition) and The Kinetic Group (United States, small-calibre ammunition).
CSG employs more than 14,000 people across its integrated and affiliated companies. In 2025, the Group reported annual revenues
of EUR 6.7 billion. CSG shares are traded on Euronext Amsterdam under the ticker CSG.www.czechoslovakgroup.cz
Further information:
Péter Elkán
Group Director of Corporate Relations and Communication s
4iG Group
sajto@4ig.hu