Rheinmetall CEO Plans ‘One-Stop-Shop’ for European Defense

WATCH: “In 15, 16 months, we are ready to produce ATACMS here in Europe,” Papperger says.Source: Bloomberg

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By Aaron Kirchfeld, Laura Alviz, and Tom Mackenzie

September 9, 2025 at 3:51 PM UTC

Updated on

September 9, 2025 at 5:15 PM UTC

Rheinmetall AG is pushing a raft of initiatives, including an entry into shipbuilding, to transform the German arms manufacturer into a “one-stop-shop” to supply Europe with growing defense requirements, its chief executive officer said.

In an interview Tuesday, CEO Armin Papperger confirmed reports he is in talks to acquire Bremen-based Naval Vessels Luerssen from its family owners, adding that he is “very convinced” he can reach a deal within weeks.