Overview

• NATO chief Mark Rutte joined German ministers Boris Pistorius and Lars Klingbeil at the opening, calling the project crucial for European security.
• The 30,000-square-metre factory was completed in roughly 14–15 months and will focus on 155 mm artillery rounds.
• Rheinmetall says the output will help fulfill Germany’s record €8.5 billion munitions order placed in July 2024.
• CEO Armin Papperger signed a €550 million agreement with Romania for a new plant expected within about 18 months.
• Germany’s cabinet approved a draft recruitment law that permits compulsory service if volunteer numbers fall short, targeting growth of the Bundeswehr to 260,000 troops from 182,000.