Rheinmetall CEO stated that 155mm shell production by their firm could be ramped up to 450-500,000 shells a year though he tellingly didn't give a timeline on how soon that could be achieved. He also did state they were working with Lockheed-Martin in producing the HIMARS system in Germany as well.
According to the Reuters article he states they could also make 240,000 rounds of 120mm tank ammunition like those used for the Leopard 2 tanks. Currently they apparently produced 60-70,000 rounds each of tank ammunition and 155mm rounds.
By mid year a new production line for Gepard ammunition will also be online since manufacture of those rounds ended back in 2010. They are also planning the construction of a new powder plant in Saxony BUT that is dependent on funding from the German government.
Needless to say there are costs in billions as detailed in the article!
According to the Reuters article he states they could also make 240,000 rounds of 120mm tank ammunition like those used for the Leopard 2 tanks. Currently they apparently produced 60-70,000 rounds each of tank ammunition and 155mm rounds.
By mid year a new production line for Gepard ammunition will also be online since manufacture of those rounds ended back in 2010. They are also planning the construction of a new powder plant in Saxony BUT that is dependent on funding from the German government.
Needless to say there are costs in billions as detailed in the article!
Rheinmetall eyes boost in munitions output, HIMARS production in Germany
The arms-maker, known for the 120mm gun on the Leopard 2 tank, is looking to satisfy strong demand in Ukraine and the West, and may start producing HIMARS multiple rocket launchers in Germany, its CEO said.
www.reuters.com