Armin Papperger, head of German defense conglomerate Rheinmetall, said Ukraine will soon receive its first ammunition from a new plant in Unterlüß, Lower Saxony, Deutsche Welle reports.
First deliveries and 2026 plans
This year, 25,000 shells will be sent to Ukraine. The factory could produce 150,000 or more next year.
“We will increase production to 350,000 for Germany and Ukraine. Next year, we can deliver at least 100,000, and later possibly 200,000 shells to Ukraine,” Papperger noted.
Ukrainian plant: plans and challenges
Rheinmetall is building a similar factory in Ukraine, but bureaucracy is slowing the process.
“I discussed this with Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal. I told him: it can be done in 14 months. Currently, the civilian part isn’t ready; a concept is needed,” the CEO explained.
He added that the plant could be ready in 12–14 months if organizational issues are resolved.
Drones in Ukraine
The company also plans to invest in drone production — not small quadcopters, but larger, high-tech systems.
“If there are opportunities — we will do it,” Papperger added.
Read also
-
Most Ukrainian brigades are short of troops. One that filled its ranks is helping push Russia back in Operation Vivaldi.
-
Ukraine’s military leadership shake-up: two new Donbas and Center commands, fewer reports — but gaps remain, commander says
-
Fewer jams, simpler sights: Ukrainian marines show off Turkiye’s upgraded RDS40 40mm grenade launcher
