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5h ago

Rheinmetall Opens Europe’s Largest Artillery-Shell Plant in Germany

NATO calls the site crucial to rebuilding Europe's munitions base.

UELZEN, GERMANY - AUGUST 27: Wheeled self-propelled Howitzer is seen during the opening of the new Rheinmetall artillery munitions factory during its inauguration on August 27, 2025 in Unterluess, Germany. Germany is investing heavily to modernize the Bundeswehr, its armed forces. Germany is the second biggest donor of military aid to Ukraine after the United States. (Photo by Morris MacMatzen/Getty Images)
An employee works in the shell marking of 155mm artillery ammunition, the NATO standard.

Overview

  • The Unterluess factory was inaugurated on August 27 with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in attendance after a roughly 14‑month build.
  • Rheinmetall plans to ramp the plant to 350,000 155 mm shells per year by 2027 to help fulfill Germany’s €8.5 billion munitions order placed in July 2024.
  • Rutte said Europe’s annual artillery output is now six times higher than two years ago and is expected to reach about two million rounds by year-end, with Rheinmetall’s global plants targeting roughly 700,000 rounds this year.
  • Germany’s cabinet approved a draft law to boost Bundeswehr recruitment that allows compulsory service if volunteer numbers fall short, with a goal to grow the force from about 182,000 to 260,000 personnel.
  • Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger warned Europe still trails Russia’s capacity, estimating Russian output at 4–5 million shells a year versus roughly two million in Europe.