Rheinmetall to open air defence manufacturing plant in Ukraine

German defence conglomerate Rheinmetall plans to open a new facility in Ukraine specializing in air defence systems, company CEO Armin Papperger announced on May 15, New Voice of Ukraine reports citing the German Aid to Ukraine Twitter account.

Production at the new facility could begin in one to two years. According to Ukrainian defence news outlet Militarnyi, the facility will also function as a repair base for IRIS-T, Skynex, and Gepard air defence platforms.

On May 5, Papperger announced the delivery of artillery munitions to Ukraine, including sophisticated 155mm shells with a range of 100 kilometres.

In March, Rheinmetall said it aims to open at least four factories in Ukraine to produce ammunition, military equipment, gunpowder, and air defence systems.