Rheinmetall to open new shell production plant in Latvia
Photo: A factory in Latvia will produce 155 mm artillery shells (facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua)
German defense contractor Rheinmetall will build an artillery shell manufacturing plant in Latvia. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026, according to the company's website.
"Rheinmetall is further expanding its ammunition production capacity and is now planning to build a modern production facility for 155 mm calibre artillery ammunition in Latvia," the Rheinmetall press service said.
A memorandum of understanding with Rheinmetall representatives has already been signed by Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa. The plant will be operated by a joint venture between Rheinmetall (51%) and the Latvian State Defense Corporation (49%).
According to the project, construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026, with ammunition production set to start a year later. The shells produced will be supplied to the Latvian armed forces as well as partner countries.
Earlier, it was reported that the German defense group Rheinmetall will also build a new shell production plant in Ukraine. According to Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, land for its construction was allocated in a safe region of the country at the beginning of September.
Rheinmetall AG previously opened the largest ammunition plant in the EU in Unterlüß near Hanover. Once it reaches full capacity in 2027, the factory will produce up to 350,000 artillery shells annually.
In addition, Rheinmetall will build two defense plants in Bulgaria. They will manufacture gunpowder, artillery shells, and drones.
It is expected that approximately 100,000 artillery shells will be produced in the first year of the Latvian plant’s operation.
