Germany’s Rheinmetall to Build New Ammunition Plant in Ukraine

German defense manufacturer Rheinmetall will construct a new plant in Ukraine to produce artillery shells for the country’s armed forces.

The Gaze reports this, referring to a statement made by Ukraine’s Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal.

Shmyhal met Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger in London on the sidelines of the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition, where they finalized procedures for launching the joint project. 

According to the minister, land has already been allocated in a secure region of Ukraine for the facility.

“The site for the new Rheinmetall plant to produce shells for our Defense Forces was designated on September 9,” Shmyhal wrote, noting that preparations for the project are complete.

He highlighted that cooperation with the German defense group covers ammunition, armored vehicles, and air defense. 

Talks in London also addressed expanding repair and production capacities for armored vehicles and developing new air defense solutions to counter Russian drones.

“Rheinmetall has a number of new models that can enhance the capabilities of our Defense Forces. Together we are working on solutions that will help us fight enemy drones more effectively,” Shmyhal said, thanking the company for its support.

Rheinmetall, one of Europe’s largest defense contractors, has already supplied Ukraine with infantry fighting vehicles, tanks, self-propelled howitzers, ammunition, and air defense systems. Earlier this year, the company signed a memorandum to establish joint production in Ukraine.

As The Gaze previously reported, Germany’s Rheinmetall also plans to significantly expand its 155mm artillery shell production capacity in Ukraine, aiming to manufacture up to 300,000 rounds per year once its new plant comes online.