Rheinmetall chief warns of critical ammunition shortage in Europe

Armin Papperger, CEO of Germany’s largest arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, has warned of a critical ammunition shortage in Europe, cautioning that stockpiles would be exhausted within days in the event of actual combat.

In an interview with Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Papperger said, “Almost no one in Europe has enough [ammunition],” and outlined plans to increase artillery shell production from 70,000 to 1.5 million per year by 2030.

He also highlighted the high demand for armoured vehicles and stressed the need to protect troops from drones and missiles. Rheinmetall’s current order book approaches €70 billion and could double within a year, with major deliveries planned for 2029–2030, the CEO added.

Papperger’s warnings are supported by data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which show that over the past five years (2021–2025), European countries have tripled their arms imports, becoming the largest regional buyers with 33% of global deliveries. Nearly half of the imported weapons (48%) came from the US, which strengthened its dominance by increasing exports to Europe by 217%. Russian arms exports fell 64% over the same period, reducing Moscow’s share of global deliveries to 6.8%.

Amid shortages and growing dependence on overseas suppliers, Europe is seeking accelerated development of its own defence industry, drawing on Ukrainian experience. According to The Wall Street Journal, under the “Build With Ukraine” initiative, European countries gain access to proven Ukrainian combat technologies.

In February, a drone manufacturing plant, “Linza,” opened near Munich as a joint venture between German Quantum Systems and Ukrainian Frontline Robotics, employing about 80% Ukrainian staff. Its products are intended for both the frontline and the European market.

By Jeyhun Aghazada