Rheinmetall revealed the launch date for their factory in Ukraine
Rheinmetall has disclosed the launch date for their factory in Ukraine (photo: Getty Images)
The German company Rheinmetall plans to launch its plant in Ukraine as early as 2024. The first weapons are expected to be produced six months after the commencement of operations, according to Reuters.
According to Rheinmetall's CEO, Armin Papperger, the company plans to launch its plant in Ukraine in 2024. The company expects to finalize an agreement with Ukraine for the production of Fuchs armored personnel carriers and Lynx infantry fighting vehicles by the beginning of 2024.
"After the contract is signed, we want to have finished the first (Fuchs) within six-seven months, and the first Lynx within 12-13 months," said Papperger.
He noted that the company plans to manufacture Fuchs in Ukraine by the end of the summer of 2024. However, when it comes to the infantry fighting vehicle, there will be a bit of a wait until the summer of 2025. At this point, there is no mention of producing Panther tanks.
In October of this year, the State-owned Ukroboronprom and Rheinmetall established a joint venture - LLC Rheinmetall - Ukrainian Defense Industry. This joint venture is intended to assist with local production of equipment, servicing, and repair of Western weaponry.
Joint venture
The Federal Antimonopoly Service of Germany approved Rheinmetall's joint venture with Ukraine at the end of September.
It was reported that the enterprise would be based in Kyiv.
Rheinmetall has been actively supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia by supplying ammunition and various equipment. Recently, the company received a new order for artillery shells for Ukraine.
