Rheinmetall is establishing a new extensive ammunition production facility in Germany. Purpose: independent supply of the Bundeswehr. The arms company has confirmed that the so-called medium-caliber ammunition facilities will be ready in January. Earlier, there was political anger in Berlin over the Swiss veto against the shipment of ammunition from Germany to Ukraine. The export of obsolete stockpiles of weapons material needed for the anti-aircraft artillery tank Gepard would have required the approval of the Swiss government, but he refused, citing his own neutrality.
Rheinmetall also pointed to the significantly suppressed demand for ammunition in Germany and the gaps created by support from Ukraine. They will be filled according to NATO specifications. A spokesman for the German Press Agency’s arms company in Berlin said that the focus of the new needs is an effort to “re-establish the supply of ammunition in Germany, in principle independent of foreign production facilities”. It was decided to establish a new production facility for calibers from 20 to 35 millimeters in Germany. Production is scheduled to begin in June 2023. The exact location of the production facilities is not yet known to the public.
First deliveries already in July
The spokesperson also said that Rheinmetall will be able to deliver its first batch of cheetah ammunition as early as July. According to reports, it could go up to 300,000 shots for Ukraine if the federal government now issues a corresponding order. Germany gave the cheetah to Ukraine, but was initially able to add only a small amount of ammunition. Decommissioned by the Bundeswehr and delivered to Ukraine, Gepard tanks are equipped with twin 35mm guns from Swiss arms manufacturer Oerlikon. The Swiss arms and ammunition manufacturer is now owned by Rheinmetall.
“I was relieved that the industry reacted so quickly. In the future, more ammunition that we urgently need will be produced in Germany, »he said. “Given the security situation, it is of paramount importance that Germany, together with its NATO partners, become more independent in the production of ammunition.”
In November, Strack-Zimmermann had requested that conclusions be drawn from Switzerland’s position in Germany. “What actually happens if Germany or one of the NATO countries is attacked and as a result ammunition produced in Switzerland is destroyed? [Neutralität] not delivered?” he asked. (SDA)