Although Rheinmetall and other European manufacturers are “drastically increasing their capacities”, Papperger asks for patience in an interview with the newspaper “Handelsblatt”: “It will take some time until we can produce the necessary quantities.” Until then, we will continue working, indicated the US, “which has large reserves,” said the head of Rheinmetall.
Rheinmetall wants to “go full throttle” when it comes to artillery shells
The biggest bottleneck is currently in gunpowder, which is needed, among other things, for the propellant charge of artillery projectiles, explains Papperger. For this reason, Rheinmetall is currently doubling and tripling its capabilities in this area. “For this reason, in Germany and Spain we are going to increase production from 1,500 tons of powder each to 3,000 tons of powder per year.” Next year a powder plant will be built in Romania and Rheinmetall will be able to produce “1,500 tons per year there too.” Then we would have “with up to 11,000 tons of dust per year, there is enough capacity to supply Europe,” says Papperger.
As for artillery shells, they want to “produce them at full speed for five or seven years”; Until 2025 there should be up to 700,000 shells per year. “But this will not continue for a long time,” promises the managing director at Handelsblatt. This year the company “will already provide hundreds of thousands of injections” to Ukraine. He doesn't want to give exact figures.
Rheinmetall boss: Many people have not yet realized how unprepared Germany is
Regarding a possible Russian threat to Germany, Papperger warns: “Many people have not yet understood how problematic the security situation is and how unprepared the country currently is.” In politics, however, understanding “has matured in recent months.” When the 100 billion in special funds run out, there must be “a significant increase,” Papperger demands.
It is “in principle” open to an alliance with other European corporations, as well as to everything “that is good for our shareholders and for the security of our country and Europe.” However, you have to “be realistic.” Since many investments in Europe are state-owned, “cross-investments” can be made with them.
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