Overview

• NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called the opening vital for Western security and Ukraine’s war effort, noting Europe’s artillery output is six times higher than two years ago and could reach two million rounds this year.
• The new facility spans roughly 30,000 square metres at Unterlüss and expands a site that already produces Leopard 2 tank munitions.
• Germany’s July 2024 ammunition order of €8.5 billion is a key driver for the plant’s production ramp.
• Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said Europe must turn higher spending into real capabilities as Berlin relaxes debt rules to fund rearmament.
• Rheinmetall signed a €550 million agreement with Romania for another plant during the ceremony, while Germany’s cabinet advanced a draft law to boost recruitment with a provision for compulsory service if volunteers fall short.