Rheinmetall is ready to arm an international peacekeeping mission in Ukraine
14 March 12:56
German defense concern Rheinmetall is ready to participate in a possible international peacekeeping mission after the end of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The head of the company, Armin Papparger, said this at a press conference, Komersant ukrainskyi reports.
According to him, Rheinmetall can offer “more than 2000 items” of weapons, but he did not name specific figures for possible deliveries.
“So far, we are talking about theoretical possibilities. “There are no concrete talks at the moment,” said Armin Papparger, answering Deutsche Welle’s question.
As an example of such complex supplies, the Rheinmetall CEO mentioned the supply of a German tank brigade in Lithuania, which is due to be deployed by 2027.
According to him, we can talk about “tanks and armored vehicles, first of all”. He also reminded that the company produces electronic warfare equipment and reconnaissance drones, which may be needed for control “when the demarcation line is drawn.” Reconnaissance satellites, which Rheinmetall is “currently investing in,” may also be useful.
Rheinmetall cooperates with Ukraine and expands production in Germany
In Ukraine, Rheinmetall has already set up a repair plant for armored vehicles and is building a plant for the production of artillery shells. Answering DW’s question about the possible construction of a plant for the production of components for anti-aircraft systems in Ukraine, Papparger said that the Ukrainian side would like this and the decision is up to Kyiv.
“We are talking about it, there is a desire, but no decision has been made yet,” the businessman said.
According to Papparger, such high-tech production requires time and money: “If we had started three years ago, we would have finished by now.” There are also “talks, but no decision” about Rheinmetall’s possible participation in the production of Ukrainian drones.
In addition, the German defense concern Rheinmetall has begun construction of a new ammunition plant in Lower Saxony. It will produce artillery shells, explosives and components for rocket artillery. The plant’s capacity is expected to be about 200,000 shells per year.
Implementation of defense projects yields economic results
At the end of 2024, Rheinmetall made a record profit with an annual turnover of €9.8 billion.
The other day it became known that Rheinmetall, which is Europe’s largest ammunition manufacturer, has overtaken Volkswagen, the leading car manufacturer on the continent, in terms of market value, which indicates a rapid increase in investor demand for defense stocks. This was reported by Reuters.
As of Thursday morning, Rheinmetall’s market capitalization was about 56.6 billion euros ($61.5 billion). Volkswagen’s market value was 55.4 billion euros.
What is known about the formation of a peacekeeping mission for Ukraine in Europe
About two weeks ago, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his readiness to send British troops to Ukraine to support a potential peace. France also expressed its intention to join this mission. Both countries insisted that such participation be supported by the United States.
The Netherlands and Sweden have also previously stated their readiness to participate in a military mission. Denmark has not ruled out participation in peacekeeping, but according to Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, many issues remain to be clarified. Germany also considers such talks premature, but the possibility of the Bundeswehr’s involvement in a mission in Ukraine has not yet been ruled out.
