Against the background of the war in Ukraine, the German concern Rheinmetall wants to launch the production of HIMARS in Europe
Against the background of the full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine, the German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has revised its plans for further work and insists that Germany needs to increase the production of weapons, because the reserves are now exhausted.
What does it mean
Rheinmetall produces a number of defense products, but probably its most famous production is the 120 mm cannon and ammunition for the Leopard 2 tank. In 2022, the concern produced between 60,000 and 70,000 shells for tanks and artillery guns. But the company’s CEO, Armin Papperger, is confident that production can be significantly increased.
So, the concern can produce 240,000 tank ammunition (120 mm) per year, which is more than the entire world needs. And the production capacity of 155-mm artillery shells can be increased to 450,000-500,000 per year, which will make Rheinmetall the largest producer of both types of ammunition. Demand for these munitions has skyrocketed not only because of battlefield use in Ukraine, but also because Western countries are replenishing their own stockpiles in preparation for the growing threat from Russia.
Also, Rheinmetall plans to open a new production line for medium-caliber ammunition, which is used, for example, in the German Gepard anti-aircraft tanks.
In addition, Rheinmetall is negotiating with Lockheed Martin, an American company that produces HIMARS rocket launcher systems. The German concern wants to conclude an agreement on the launch of HIMARS production in Germany.
At the same time, Rheinmetall already has all the necessary technologies for the production of ammunition for these installations — for example, warheads and rocket engines. The production of trucks, which serve as a base for direct launchers, has also been mastered. The deal that Rheinmetall plans to make with the Americans could mean hundreds of millions of euros in new investment — most of which will be made by the German company.
Rheinmetall AG is a German machine-building and arms concern headquartered in Düsseldorf. Formed in 1889. It is one of the largest manufacturers of military equipment and weapons in Germany and in Europe as a whole. The main products of the concern are military equipment, weapons, as well as the production of components for cars. Wikipedia
