On July 24, German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall announced that it received an order from the Ukrainian government to begin construction of an ammunition plant in Ukraine, reports the Kyiv Independent.
At the Munich Security Conference in February 2024, Ukrainian Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin and Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint venture.
According to Rheinmetall, this announcement comes as Kyiv seeks to localize weapons production and marks the official launch of the project.
“Production of ammunition in Ukraine is planned to start within 24 months,” the statement reads.
The initial order includes the complete technical equipment of the plant until it becomes operational. However, the name of the Ukrainian company involved in the partnership has not been disclosed.
“We are turning our words into actions and, together with our partner, will establish the Ukrainian Ammunition Competence Center,” said Papperger. “This order underscores the confidence in Rheinmetall’s expertise and production capabilities. We are grateful for the opportunity to support the country in its reindustrialization and enhancement of defense capabilities.”
According to the initial release in February, the “Ukrainian Ammunition Competence Center” is expected to produce a “six-figure number” of 155mm shells annually, including the necessary propellants.
This news follows the opening of the first joint venture between Rheinmetall and the Ukrainian state company Ukroboronprom in June. This facility will allow for faster repairs of equipment received from abroad, which can then be returned to the front lines. According to Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin, the plant will also manufacture new armored vehicles in the future.
