Rheinmetall aims to produce around 700,000 artillery shells by 2025
Head of Rheinmetall, Armin Papperger (Photo: Getty Images)
Defense conglomerate Rheinmetall continues to ramp up production of artillery ammunition and aims to reach a target of 700,000 units per year by 2025, announces the head of Rheinmetall, Armin Papperger.
Weapon manufacturer Rheinmetall is significantly expanding its production capacities for artillery projectiles.
"We are in the process of doubling or even tripling our capacities for powder production in specific locations, such as those needed for metal charges for artillery projectiles," Papperger announced.
By next year, Rheinmetall will be able to produce enough products for deliveries to Europe. According to Papperger, by 2025, the conglomerate aims to produce up to 700,000 artillery projectiles per year.
In addition to plants in Spain and Hungary, the expansion will focus on the Rheinmetall facility in Unterlüß, Lower Saxony.
Support for Ukraine
Papperger planned to launch the production expansion on Monday together with Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The Chancellor had previously advocated for new assistance to Ukraine in the United States.
Support for Ukraine there is at risk of weakening due to domestic political conflicts between Democrats and Republicans.
From Papperger's perspective, this could become a serious problem for European security.
"We and Ukraine need Americans who have large reserves," said the head of Rheinmetall.
Increase in ammunition production
Recently, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stated that Europe had tripled its production of shells for Ukraine. However, the goal of reaching one million has not been achieved.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski also stated that Poland was considering producing more ammunition to aid Ukraine.
Norway has announced the allocation of over $90 million to increase ammunition production and develop the country's defense industry potential.
