Rheinmetall plans to construct four weapon plants in Ukraine
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall (Photo: Getty Images)
The German defense conglomerate Rheinmetall plans to build at least four factories in Ukraine to manufacture weapons, states the CEO of Rheinmetall, Armin Papperger.
According to him, it is expected that Rheinmetall's factories in Ukraine will produce ammunition, military equipment, and air defense systems.
"Ukraine is now an important partner for us, and we see potential (sales - Ed.) of between two and three billion euros per year," Papperger noted.
He also mentioned that in the medium term, Rheinmetall plans to produce "1.1 million 155mm projectiles," necessary for artillery, across all its plants.
The company aims to produce 700,000 projectiles in 2025 and up to 500,000 this year.
Rheinmetall in Ukraine
Last year, the Ukrainian Defense Industry JSC and Rheinmetall established a joint venture - Rheinmetall Ukrainian Defense Industry LLC.
It is to be engaged in the production of equipment, servicing, and repairing Western armaments.
Papperger also mentioned that Rheinmetall will launch its plant in Ukraine as early as 2024. They aim to manufacture the first weapons at the facility within six months of its launch.
