【Report: Germany Surpasses U.S. to Become World's Largest Ammunition Producer, Annual Shell Output Rises to 1.1 Million】
According to a recent report, Germany has surpassed the United States to become the world’s largest ammunition producer. Rheinmetall, a German defense company, stated that in recent years—especially following increased European defense spending driven by the Russia-Ukraine war—the country has significantly enhanced its military production capacity.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said production across key categories has seen substantial growth: military trucks have increased from around 600 units annually to approximately 4,500; medium-caliber ammunition has risen from 800,000 rounds to 4 million; and artillery shells have grown from about 70,000 to 1.1 million per year. Papperger expects the company to achieve around a 40% growth this year, with revenue reaching between 14 to 15 billion euros.
Papperger said: “Germany now has the capability to produce more conventional ammunition.” He noted that the defense industry, once struggling to attract workers, is now experiencing massive job seeker interest, with the company receiving around 350,000 applications in 2025. The company currently collaborates with about 11,500 suppliers in Germany, including roughly 4,500 from the automotive sector, and exports about 65% of its products to other NATO countries.
Rheinmetall currently employs around 44,000 people, with plans to expand to approximately 70,000 by 2030, achieving an annual growth rate of 30% to 50%. The supply chain could additionally support about 210,000 jobs. Papperger predicts that defense manufacturing could replace roughly one-third of employment in Germany’s automotive industry, with growth peaking between 2035 and 2040.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated: “Germany aims to possess Europe’s most powerful conventional army by 2039.” European nations are reducing reliance on U.S. defense, increasing defense budgets, and rebuilding their weapon inventories. Following President Trump’s warning to NATO members to boost defense spending, Europe has accelerated its pace further.
Pistorius downplayed the impact of the U.S. decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, calling it expected, and emphasized that Europe must assume greater security responsibility: “To maintain transatlantic relations, we must strengthen the European pillar within NATO.” NATO spokesperson Alison Hart said the Trump administration’s move “underscores the need for Europe to increase defense investment.” Despite Pentagon announcements, around 33,000 U.S. troops remain stationed in Germany, reversing the troop buildup trend under President Biden.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864497842836682/
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