The German defense giant Rheinmetall is currently producing more ammunition than it has signed contracts for, including for Ukraine. The company is ready to significantly increase deliveries of weapons and equipment if additional funding is provided, says CEO Armin Papperger, Table.Today reports.
“Yes, we can help in many areas. At the moment, funding for Ukraine is lacking here and there,” Papperger notes.
Production is ready, but money is lacking
According to the group's head, companies have already moved “ahead of demand,” investing in expanding production lines and stockpiles. However, without additional budgetary decisions by partner governments, contracts cannot be scaled up.
This means delays in ammunition deliveries at a critical moment for Ukraine.
Rheinmetall’s readiness to supply more shows that the West can rapidly scale up support for Ukraine without years of preparation.
From drones to tanks: what Rheinmetall is ready to supply
Papperger emphasizes that the company is ready to increase deliveries across the entire range:
- more anti-aircraft guns and ammunition;
- more armored vehicles and tanks;
- a broader spectrum of solutions — from drones and “new technologies” to proven systems that have been in service for decades.
“We could supply more anti-aircraft guns. We could supply more ammunition. We could even supply more tanks. In other words, we have moved ahead of demand here,” he stresses.
In conditions where Russia is increasing strikes and weapons production, Western delays mean a higher cost of war for Ukraine, while the resources to strengthen it are effectively already available.
