It’s been estimated that the Armed Forces of Ukraine fire twice as many artillery shells as their Western allies can produce. This is quite shocking, because NATO countries cannot completely deplete their ammunition stockpiles and become vulnerable. However, a German defense contractor Rheinmetall is looking to significantly increase its ammunition production.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger says that in 2022 Rheinmetall produced 60-70 thousand tank and artillery shells, but this number can be significantly improved.
Actually, it is necessary to increase it because Ukraine needs ammunition and many European countries are looking to increase their preparedness for the potential escalation of the war in Ukraine. The question is, how much Rheinmetall can increase its production output?
As reported by Reuters, Papperger has revealed that Rheinmetall could increase its tank shell production to 240 thousand per year. 120 mm smoothbore shells, used by the majority of NATO tanks, are in high demand right now. Especially since Germany and the US made a decision to transfer their natively made tanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Interestingly, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said that this amount of tank shells is more than the entire world needs. This is quite impressive and has the potential to restore stockpiles in a relatively short span of time.
Of course, the right decisions need to be made to up the ammunition production to these kinds of numbers, but at least it is possible.
Rheinmetall could also increase its production of 155 mm artillery shells. Again, 155 mm is the NATO standard, used by most artillery systems in the West. M777 towed howitzers, PhZ 2000 self-propelled howitzers, the Archer system, and many other artillery weapons in the NATO arsenal are relying on 155 mm ammunition.
Papperger stated that Rheinmetall could increase its 155 mm shell production to a level of 450,000 to 500,000 per year. Again, this is more than would be needed during the times of peace. But it might be needed to increase preparedness and restore the depleted stockpiles.
Rheinmetall is looking into manufacturing HIMARS in Germany under license. HIMARS is a multiple launch rocket system, which proved its capabilities in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Manufacturing these weapons in Europe could help meet the growing demand. If at least part of these plans is fruitful, Rheinmetall would become one of the most important defense manufacturers in the world.
One of the goals Russia declared for the invasion of Ukraine was “demilitarisation”. However, by now it should be obvious to everyone that this unprovoked and unnecessary attack will cause an increased focus on the defense industry as well as better military preparedness.
Source: Censor.net