By KYIV. May 10 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The largest German concern for arms production, Rheinmetall, plans to produce tanks, air defense, anti-aircraft systems and ammunition in Ukraine, the company’s website reports on Tuesday.
“Attempts are being made to conclude some cooperation and joint venture agreements with Ukrainian companies in the coming weeks,” Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said in a statement.
The company clarified that they plan to organize joint ventures for automotive systems, air defense and ammunition. “Thus, we give Ukraine the opportunity to protect itself in the medium and long term,” the company’s CEO said and specified that investments in new plants would come from the Ukrainian state.
As a specific example, Papperger cited the already well-known plan for construction of battle tanks of the Panther type in Ukraine.
“Just as the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle is being built at a factory in Hungary, our newly developed Panther main battle tank can roll off the production line at a Ukrainian factory based on a comparable model,” the report notes.
In addition, Rheinmetall said that in the next ten years, demand from Ukraine would be very high.
