German defense companies are becoming more attractive amid increased orders due to the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the automotive industry: companies such as Hensoldt, Rheinmetall, and Renk are actively hiring and expecting to increase sales.
Poland and Denmark discussed the creation of an effective European missile and air defense system similar to Israel's Iron Dome to protect the region.
Ukraine's 2S22 Bogdana self-propelled artillery system on a wheeled chassis, designed for the NATO 155 mm caliber, has an armored cabin that can withstand a direct hit from a Russian Lancet kamikaze drone, ensuring the safety of the crew.
Rheinmetall has received an order from the German government to supply 20 additional Marder infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine.
European defense contractors warn that dependence on Chinese cotton lint threatens the expansion of ammunition production, which is needed to replenish stocks and support Ukraine in its war against Russia.
German company Rheinmetall receives 130 million euros from the EU to increase production of 155-mm artillery ammunition and explosives to replenish the European armed forces.
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, believes that Europe should create its own version of the Israeli Iron Dome air defense system.
German defense giant Rheinmetall plans to build at least four weapons manufacturing plants in Ukraine to produce shells, military equipment, gunpowder, and anti-aircraft weapons.
Rheinmetall, Germany's largest defense company, plans to increase its production of artillery ammunition to 700,000 shells per year by expanding its production capacity in Germany and building new plants in Ukraine and Lithuania.
Foreign companies from Austria, Germany, and Turkey have begun rebuilding infrastructure in Ukraine, expecting large investment opportunities after the conflict ends, Bloomberg reports.
The joint venture with Rheinmetall is already providing repair services in Ukraine and plans to expand its activities to include assembly and production.
The Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine said that Ukraine will start actively using ground drones on the battlefield in 2024.
The Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine and the CEO of the German company Helsing GmbH sign a Memorandum on Artificial Intelligence in Ukrainian Drones.
"Ukroboronprom signed a memorandum with MBDA Deutschland on cooperation in the field of air defense systems and countering unmanned aerial vehicles.
Rheinmetall plans to open a new ammunition plant in Ukraine to produce 155-mm artillery shells and metal projectiles in a joint venture with a Ukrainian partner.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Monday that defense companies can expect his government to increase military spending and that it will fulfill its commitment to spend 2% of GDP on NATO defense.
Rheinmetall starts construction of a new ammunition plant in Lower Saxony to produce shells for self-propelled howitzers to be supplied to Ukraine.
A Finnish ammunition factory will increase production of artillery shells fivefold this year due to high demand from the Ukrainian army, which is defending itself against Russian invasion.
Ukraine is actively developing partnerships in the defense industry, having concluded dozens of agreements on joint arms production with more than two dozen countries.
Rheinmetall is building a new ammunition plant in Germany to ensure stable supplies to Ukraine. The plant will be built in record time over the next few months.
Rheinmetall will supply the Ukrainian Armed Forces with tens of thousands of artillery shells in 2025 under a framework contract.