As Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said in an interview with TSN, the German defense giant has ambitious plans to develop production in Ukraine. The first plant is already functioning, and the second one will start working soon.
“We have many good plans. The first plant is already in operation. The Ukrainian defense industry is our partner. Now we have a production enterprise and a service enterprise. By the end of the year, we will already have the first ultra-modern Lynx infantry fighting vehicle in Ukraine. We currently service infantry fighting vehicles, but also main battle tanks. So it’s a very productive joint venture“, said Papperger.
He also noted that the plant serves not only infantry fighting vehicles, but also main battle tanks.
In addition, Rheinmetall intends to build a powder plant in Ukraine, as well as an enterprise for the production of ammunition. Another important direction will be the establishment of the production of air defense systems, which will allow Ukraine to strengthen its own defense.
Papperger also emphasized the need to speed up the construction of plants: “The first plant is already functioning, the second is on the way, but we have to speed up, because we cannot waste time now.”
In June 2024, together with Ukroboronprom, Rheinmetall opened the first workshop in Ukraine, which is engaged in the production and repair of equipment according to German standards. In addition, the concern received an order from the Ukrainian government for the construction of a factory for the manufacture of ammunition, and in February of this year an agreement was announced with Ukrainian partners for the production of 155-mm artillery shells, which are critically important for the defense of the country.
