In an interview with Welt am Sonntag, Papperger stated Ukraine is actively working to bolster its ammunition reserves, currently operating on a “hand-to-mouth” basis. To fully restock, Ukraine would require around four million rounds of artillery ammunition, highlighting the extensive demand faced by Rheinmetall’s production facilities.
Rheinmetall has also expanded its presence in Ukraine, establishing local production facilities and delivering various military vehicles, including Marder infantry fighting vehicles and the advanced Lynx model. The first delivery of Lynx vehicles is expected to include nearly ten units, though Papperger noted Ukraine’s broader need is closer to 3,000 units—an ambition currently limited by budget constraints.
The Düsseldorf-based corporation has seen a significant surge in defence orders due to the conflict, forecasting over EUR 60 billion in contracts by the end of the year, with EUR 10 billion in revenue and high profitability. Papperger described Rheinmetall as the world’s most profitable defence company, asserting that it is now on par with major American arms manufacturers in terms of global market standing.
