Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall

Rheinmetall is a key partner for Ukraine, which has begun supporting the country virtually from the very start of Russia's full-scale aggression. The company expressed readiness to repair German armored vehicles from Bundeswehr stockpiles for the Ukrainian Armed Forces even before the German government approved such a decision. Later came deliveries of various weapons systems and ammunition, contracts, and even joint production programs, including those implemented in Ukraine.

A driving force behind this cooperation is Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG.

The head of one of the world's most powerful defense groups spoke with Ukrinform about the current state of and prospects for cooperation with Ukraine – though without disclosing details, which is entirely understandable under wartime conditions.

THE LOCATION FOR THE AMMUNITION PLANT HAS ALREADY BEEN CHOSEN

- How do you assess the current state of cooperation between Rheinmetall and Ukraine? What are the key priorities of this partnership in the medium term, particularly in terms of industrial cooperation and localization of production?

- Cooperation between Ukraine and Rheinmetall is going well.

We are grateful to be such an important industrial partner to the country's armed forces in many areas, including artillery ammunition, infantry fighting vehicles, air defence, space-based reconnaissance and mobile field hospitals, to name but a few.

- The launch of Rheinmetall’s ammunition production plant in Ukraine was delayed after the Ukrainian side requested a change in the location of the facility. Has a new site already been finalized, and when could construction of the production capacities begin?

- Rheinmetall has been commissioned to supply Ukraine with the equipment for an ammunition production facility. Rheinmetall fulfils these obligations.

Although the search for a suitable location was delayed, one has now been allocated to us. However, further organisational and regulatory issues still need to be clarified. We are ready to begin construction of the facility as soon as possible.

- Rheinmetall has reportedly offered Ukraine the localized production of armored vehicles such as Fuchs, Lynx, and Panther. Has the Ukrainian side responded to this proposal, and what are the prospects for moving forward in this direction?

- This has generated considerable interest, but requires significant local investment, for which funding must be secured.

(Meanwhile, the company recently announced plans to deliver the first Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicles, specially configured for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, to Ukraine as early as the beginning of 2026).

- The first Skyranger 35 self-propelled air defense system on a Leopard 1 chassis was expected to be delivered to Ukraine last month. When are the next deliveries planned, how many systems are covered by the contract overall, and what is the expected timeline for its full implementation? Has Ukraine now received all four Skynex air defense systems that were pledged to arrive by the end of 2025?

- Yes, the Skyranger is part of Ukraine's air defence system and is also becoming increasingly widespread in Europe.

Rheinmetall delivers the Skyranger on the Leopard 1 platform within the contractually agreed timeframe.

It is part of our strategy to establish a local defence ecosystem and create local added value in the countries where we operate.

In view of Ukraine's security interests, we must ask for your understanding that we cannot disclose any further details.

WE ARE PROVIDING UKRAINE WITH MEANS FOR AIRBORNE RECONNAISSANCE AND COUNTERING DRONES

- You recently stated that the German Skynex air defense system deployed in Ukraine has demonstrated its capability to intercept not only Russian drones such as Shahed and Gerbera, but also cruise missiles like the Kh-101 and Kalibr, confirming the system’s versatility. Are there verified data or assessments available on how many aerial targets have been intercepted using German-made air defense systems in Ukraine?

- Unfortunately, we do not have detailed figures on this, and any such information would have to be provided by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

 - What do you see as the prospects for cooperation between Rheinmetall and Ukraine in the field of unmanned systems, including drones, loitering munitions, and counter-drone technologies?

- Since 2023, Rheinmetall has supported Ukraine's defence efforts by providing state-of-the-art airborne reconnaissance.

The company has also supplied large quantities of 35 mm ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft tank, which is used to combat drones.

The company's stationary and mobile air defence solutions, Skynex and Skyranger, are also being used successfully in Ukraine.

Rheinmetall's portfolio includes various types of loitering munitions.

Olga Tanasiychuk

Photo credit: DPA and AA