Europe needs a decade to build up arms stocks to defend itself

CEO of Rheinmetall warns Europe needs a decade to bolster defense capabilities, highlighting ammunition shortages and the need for sustained efforts to replenish stocks

Europe will require a decade to achieve full defense readiness, citing depleted ammunition stocks as a critical concern, the CEO of Germany’s largest defense company, Rheinmetall, told BBC.

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, made these remarks during Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to a groundbreaking event for a new arms manufacturing facility in Lower Saxony, attended by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Papperger’s statements followed recent comments by U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump, causing renewed concern in Europe, as Trump hinted at reduced support for NATO members failing to meet financial obligations.

Papperger emphasized the urgency of replenishing European ammunition reserves, suggesting that although aiding Ukraine remains a priority, it will take at least five to ten years to replenish European stocks sufficiently.

Source: Newsroom

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