Rheinmetall Open Artillery Ammunition Production Factory in Ukraine

Defense News ,Ukraine :- In a significant move towards strengthening its presence in Ukraine, Rheinmetall, Europe's largest ammunition manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Ukrainian partner company. This agreement, announced during the Munich Security Conference in the presence of Alexander Kamyshin, Ukraine's Minister for Strategic Industries, marks the beginning of a joint venture named the "Ukrainian Ammunition Competence Center."

The focus of this venture is the production of 155mm caliber shells and necessary propellants, with an annual output projected to reach six-figure quantities. Rheinmetall will hold a majority stake of 51%, while the remaining 49% will be owned by the Ukrainian partner.

The decision to establish this joint venture was influenced by the high demand for artillery ammunition in Ukraine, as emphasized by Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. The initiative, known as the "Ukrainian Ammunition Competence Center," aims to contribute significantly to Ukraine's defense capability and, consequently, enhance security in Europe.

This development follows a recent groundbreaking ceremony for a new facility in Unterlüß, Lower Saxony, attended by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on February 12, 2024. Rheinmetall is actively engaged in supporting Ukraine, with several ongoing projects worth billions of euros. The company plays a crucial role in rebuilding Ukraine's defense industry and ensuring the autonomy of its capabilities.

Rheinmetall, renowned as the world's leading manufacturer and technology leader in artillery ammunition, brings extensive expertise to the table, covering planning, constructing, and operating large-caliber ammunition manufacturing facilities. In October 2023, Rheinmetall and the Ukrainian state company Ukrainian Defence Industry JSC (UDI) established their first joint venture in Kyiv, initially focusing on the maintenance and repair of operational vehicles, with future plans to manufacture armored vehicles in Ukraine.