German Rheinmetall wants to launch HIMARS production in Europe amid war in Ukraine

German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has revised its plans for future operations amid Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and insists that Germany needs to ramp up arms production as stocks are now depleted.

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Rheinmetall produces a number of defence products, but is probably best known for producing the 120mm gun for the Leopard 2 tank. In 2022, the concern produced between 60,000 and 70,000 shells for tanks and artillery pieces. But CEO Armin Papperger is confident that production can be significantly increased.

For example, the group can produce 240,000 tank shells (120 mm) per year - more than the entire world needs. And the production capacity of 155mm artillery shells could be increased to 450,000-500,000 per year, making Rheinmetall the largest producer of both types of ammunition. Demand for this ammunition has surged, not only because of battlefield use in Ukraine, but also because Western countries are restocking their own stocks in preparation for the increased threat from russia.

Rheinmetall also plans to open a new production line for medium-calibre ammunition, which is used, for example, in German Gepard anti-aircraft tanks.

In addition, Rheinmetall is in talks with Lockheed Martin, the US company that produces the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system. The German concern wants to conclude an agreement to start production of the HIMARS in Germany.

"We have the technology for the production of the warheads as well as for the rocket motors — and we have the trucks to mount the launchers upon", said Papperger.

Source: Reuters