The Strategist

Rheinmetall CEO predicts cheaper production of tanks and armored vehicles



08/12/2025 - 11:21



Armin Papperger, head of the arms firm Rheinmetall AG, informed the Financial Times that prices for tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery are expected to drop in the years ahead.



Fric.matej
Fric.matej
This was his remark concerning concerns that increasing European budgets will result in inflation with minimal advantages for taxpayers.

Papperger stated that the decrease in expenses will be realized via large-scale manufacturing and process automation. He stated that it was once feasible to reduce the cost of ammunition manufacturing after Rheinmetall AG expanded its production capacity by ten times within three years.

Over the coming year, the company anticipates requests for thousands of Leopard 2 tanks, GTK Boxer combat wheeled armored vehicles, and Puma infantry fighting vehicles. Simultaneously, the worth of possible contracts with the German government is projected to be €30-35 billion.

In total, Rheinmetall AG expects new agreements totaling around €80 billion.

Papperger remarked that, in his view, one should not anticipate a negative perception of arms manufacturers in Europe, even as European governments face choices regarding raising military budgets and reducing social securities.

source: ft.com