Rheinmetall factory in Ukraine will significantly exceed the planned 150 thousand shells.

The German defense concern Rheinmetall plans to increase the capacity of its factory in Ukraine, which is under construction and is expected to be completed by 2026. The company's CEO Armin Papperger stated that the initial plan was to produce 150,000 shells per year, but this number will be significantly increased.

Armin Papperger explained that Rheinmetall is already capable of producing about 750,000 shells, so the demand for artillery ammunition exceeds its production. Therefore, the company plans to increase total production to 1.5 million shells. Additionally, besides Ukraine, these munitions will also be supplied to other European countries, including Germany.

Armin Papperger reminded about President Volodymyr Zelensky's statement that Ukraine needs 1.5 million artillery shells annually in peacetime. Rheinmetall is already planning to increase production at its plant in Lower Saxony to 350,000 munitions, investing about 600 million euros in this process.

Papperger also stated that the supply of long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine will not impact the course of the war, as the primary need is artillery ammunition to deter Russian occupation forces. The previous long-term contract for ammunition supplies between Ukraine and the Czech Republic has expired, so both countries intend to conclude a new agreement for this supply.

Analysis and Context:

Increasing the capacity of the Rheinmetall factory is an important step in providing Ukraine with artillery shells, especially in the face of growing occupation threats. Expanding production will also help supply munitions to other European countries, supporting the overall security of the region.