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Germany’s Rheinmetall to Boost 155mm Shell Production to 300,000 Per Year in Ukraine
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German defense giant Rheinmetall has announced plans to double its 155mm artillery shell production capacity at its plant in Ukraine, which is still under construction. The move is aimed at bolstering Ukraine's self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on supplies from Western allies in the future, according to the German Aid to Ukraine project report on August 10.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger revealed the ambitious plan during the company’s Q2 2025 Conference Call on August 7, confirming that the original production target of 150,000 shells per year will be significantly increased. After an initial ramp-up period of one to two years, the factory will be capable of producing 300,000 155mm shells annually.
The expansion of production is seen as a significant step for Ukraine, which has relied heavily on Western countries for artillery shell supplies during the ongoing war. With local production, Ukraine will not only improve its independence but also reduce the logistical complexities associated with international shipments, German Aid to Ukraine project claims.
However, while the announcement marks a positive development for Ukraine’s defense industry, the project has not been without its challenges. Papperger expressed frustration with the pace of progress. He noted that while construction of a similar plant in Germany had already been completed, the facility in Ukraine is still under construction, despite starting at nearly the same time.
Either way, while Rheinmetall faces setbacks, there is no indication that the completion of the factory will be delayed. Despite the challenges, production is expected to begin next year as initially planned, bringing much-needed artillery shells to Ukraine’s armed forces.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has welcomed the expansion of local production, which will bolster the country’s defense capabilities in the long term.
Previously, it was reported that despite early doubts, the German military had restored "unrepairable" Patriot radar for Ukraine. German specialists have restored a damaged radar from a Ukrainian Patriot air defense system, Bundeswehr Major General Mike Keller, NATO’s coordinator for military support to Ukraine told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
