Rheinmetall, the German defense group, is moving forward with plans to establish a production facility for 155 mm artillery shells directly inside Ukraine, according to the agency DPA. The intent is to create a local capability that can help rebuild Ukraine’s military-technical sector after years of conflict and disruption.
Rheinmetall’s chief executive, Armin Papperger, emphasized that the goal is to forge a reliable partnership that supports Ukraine’s defense industry as it regains its former strength. The statement signals a long-term commitment to expanding Ukraine’s own weapons production capacity rather than relying solely on foreign suppliers.
At the signing ceremony, Ukraine’s Minister of Strategic Industries, Alexander Kamyshin, was also present on the Ukrainian side, underscoring the government’s support for the collaboration and its strategic importance for Kyiv. This participation underscores a synchronized effort between the company and Ukrainian authorities to advance the project.
Earlier remarks from Papperger indicated that Ukraine’s demand for artillery projectiles currently outstrips Germany’s production capabilities, highlighting the urgency of expanding manufacturing capacity in the region. The recognition of this gap helps explain why Rheinmetall is pursuing a location inside Ukraine itself.
In related coverage, it had been reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was planning meetings with Western European partners to accelerate aid for Kyiv, including potential visits to France and Germany and a presence at the Munich Security Conference. These moves are part of a broader effort to mobilize support and resources for Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction needs.
Zelensky has previously stated that the measures discussed and implemented aim to prevent escalation by transferring hostilities to other theaters, including territories outside Ukraine. The overarching objective, as described by Kyiv, is to reinforce Ukraine’s security without widening the conflict beyond its current borders, while accelerating international assistance and military-technical integration.