With growing concern for Europe's security and the deepening war in Ukraine, President Rumen Radev participated in a historic event that underscores the continent's strengthening defense capabilities. At the invitation of CEO Armin Papperger, the head of state attended the ceremonial opening of a new, ultra-modern factory for the German arms manufacturer "Rheinmetall". The event, which took place in Unterlüss, Lower Saxony, brought together high-ranking representatives of the European political and military elite.
NATO's New Shell Factory
The new high-tech factory will be a key element in NATO's production capacity, specializing in the production of 155-millimeter shells. With an investment of over 500 million euros, the plant is a strategic step aimed at supporting security in Europe in the context of ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine. All attendees were visibly focused on the seriousness of the moment, and the atmosphere was permeated with a sense of urgency and common purpose.
In his opening address, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger outlined the company's ambitious strategy, which envisions the creation of a whole network of production facilities in various European countries. Among them is Bulgaria, and Papperger expressed optimism that an agreement with the Bulgarian authorities could be signed within the next three weeks. According to him, these factories will form a "pan-European defense ecosystem" - a phrase that emphasizes the coordinated efforts of the Alliance's member states.
These plans are not a surprise, as it was reported earlier this week that Rheinmetall will participate in the construction of two new manufacturing plants in Bulgaria. One will specialize in the production of gunpowder, and the other in shells, with the total investment expected to exceed 1 billion euros. This large-scale project, in which Bulgaria is positioned as a key partner, demonstrates the country's commitment to strengthening NATO's defense capability.
The official opening ceremony was held in the presence of key figures from the international scene. Guests included NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, and German Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil. Klingbeil emphasized Germany's responsibility to enhance the continent's security, recalling the ongoing war in Ukraine. He stressed that Berlin is assuming its share of responsibility within NATO by providing financial opportunities to support defense infrastructure and expenses.
In his statement, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed the alarming finding that both Germany and Russia are preparing for a potential confrontation with the Alliance by expanding their defense industries. Analysts immediately interpreted this as a warning of the increasingly tense situation and the unabated militaristic ambitions of the Kremlin.
The new factory in Unterlüss, built in just 15 months, is expected to achieve impressive production capacity. It is planned to produce up to 25,000 shells this year, and by 2027, production will reach 350,000 shells per year. When it reaches its full potential, the facility will become the largest ammunition factory in Europe, providing over 500 new jobs.
As one of the largest defense companies in Europe, Rheinmetall reported a record operating profit of nearly 1.5 billion euros for 2024, which represents a significant 61 percent increase compared to the previous year. This financial success is a direct result of the growing demand for weapons and ammunition in the context of increased geopolitical instability and military conflicts caused by Russia's aggressive actions.