Papperger expects to need about 200 million euros to build the factory. He adds that he expects a decision on the plan within two months. Talks are now underway with, among others, the Ukrainian government. Papperger also states that such a factory could then be protected against Russian attacks by an air defense system.
Western countries are already sending many weapons and recently also tanks to Ukraine to make the country more resilient against the Russian aggressor. But according to Rheinmetall’s chief executive, the Ukrainians still don’t have enough equipment to completely retake their territory. “Even if Germany offered the Bundeswehr’s 300 Leopard 2 tanks, it would not be nearly enough,” he says, referring to the German army. Papperger indicates that Ukraine needs 600 to 800 tanks and that the construction of new tanks must start soon to make that possible.