Papperger discussed details of the Rheinmetall plant in Ukraine
11 June, 2023 Armin Papperger on the background of the Panther KF51 tank and the Boxer armored personnel carrier. Photo from open sources Armin Papperger, CEO of the German Rheinmetall concern, revealed the details of the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer operation, ammunition production, and the construction of a tank plant in Ukraine.
He discussed this in an interview with the publication RND. "Much of our growth is due to the terrible war in Ukraine. No country in Europe is well prepared for an aggressor invasion.
Governments have realized this, therefore, the demand for our products is growing," Armin Papperger said when journalists asked about the company's stock price rise. "We have the largest production facilities for tank ammunition in the world. No problem there.
The situation is different with 155-mm artillery ammunition. We can currently produce 450,000 such munitions a year, but Ukraine alone needs up to a million. With the Spanish manufacturer Expal, which we plan to acquire in the summer, we will expand our combined capacity to 600,000 shells in the future.
The rest will have to be supplied by other manufacturers," Papperger noted on the question about artillery ammunition production.
Artillery ammunition production at one of the Rheinmetall plants. Photo credits: Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions
"However, in the short term, Ukraine will receive a million artillery ammunitions only if the European armies offer their stocks. On the industrial side, we are working on increasing the production capacity.
We hire staff, restore obsolete machines, and build new supply chains. Yet it will take six to ten years to fill all European ammunition depots," he added. Answering the question on the work of Rheinmetall's production equipment, Papperger replied that the company receives positive feedback about its products.
He offered an example of the quality of the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer barrels, designed for 4,000 rounds, but the Ukrainian military has proved that the barrel can withstand 20,000 rounds without significant damage. Papperger was asked about the feasibility and realism of building the Rheinmetall plant with the subsequent launch of the serial production of Panther KF51 tanks in Ukraine. He replied that it is quite realistic and that it would take 15-20 months to bring the project to launch in Germany.
Panther KF51 tank from Rheinmetall.
June 2022. Photo credits: Rheinmetall
"If you want to bring a new product to market, you have to start somewhere. We are currently working on preparing the Panther for mass production and expect it to be ready for takeoff in 15-20 months.
PTeething problems are normal and can be quickly resolved," the CEO shared. Papperger received a question on the qualifications of the employees who should set up the high-tech equipment production. He answered that, most likely, the concern will train personnel locally and in Germany.
"We would mainly improve the qualifications of local staff, and we would sometimes bring them to study in Germany. We always do that. Take our factory in Hungary.
Out of 300 employees there, only two are Germans," he answered.
Project of the Rheinmetall plant in Hungary. Photo credits: Rheinmetall
He also pointed out that there are many defense factories in Ukraine that function during the war, and added that the Ukrainian authorities will find a way to protect the enterprise from Russian attacks. During the interview, Papperger mentioned that the company is experiencing a shortage of qualified personnel, and the need for them is constantly growing due to the increase in the production capacity of the concern.
"Of course, we also experience a shortage of skilled workers, but we benefit from the fact that our image has changed.
Many people want to defend their country, but not everyone would like to do it as a soldier," the concern's CEO said.
He stated that Europe needs tanks of a new generation to protect sovereignty and security, and added that the Panther is a good option for this.