German Rheinmetall's new factory sends first artillery shells to Kyiv

German defence manufacturer Rheinmetall has begun supplying artillery ammunition to Ukraine from its newly established Werk Niedersachsen facility in Unterlüß, marking the first time the plant has contributed to the company's deliveries for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

According to Rheinmetall, previous shipments to Ukraine had been supplied from other sites within the company's production network. The first delivery from the Lower Saxony facility includes a low five-figure number of 155 mm artillery projectiles, while propellant charges are being supplied from Rheinmetall's other production sites.

The company said more than half of the order has already been delivered, with the remaining projectiles and propellant charges scheduled to be supplied by the end of 2026.

For the first time, Ukraine is receiving RH1412 projectiles manufactured at the new plant. Rheinmetall described the RH1412 as its latest artillery ammunition product, noting that the shells are compatible with a range of 155 mm artillery systems and offer "a long range and high effectiveness."

The company said the contract underscores "Rheinmetall's high level of expertise in artillery systems."

To meet growing demand for modern 155 mm artillery ammunition and propellant charges, Rheinmetall said it continues to invest heavily in expanding production capacity at existing facilities while establishing new manufacturing sites.

The Düsseldorf-based defence group, one of the world's leading producers of large-caliber ammunition, has significantly expanded its manufacturing capabilities since 2022 and aims to produce around 1.5 million 155 mm artillery projectiles annually by 2030.

By Vafa Guliyeva