Germany recently unveiled its first-ever national military strategy, identifying Russia as the primary threat to European security. Within this frame, Berlin has also announced plans to transform the Bundeswehr into the strongest conventional military force in Europe.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said Germany has significantly expanded its capacity to manufacture conventional ammunition.
He added that the defence sector, once seen as an unattractive career path and struggling to recruit staff, is now experiencing a surge in interest. In 2025 alone, the company received around 350,000 job applications, including roughly 250,000 from within Germany.
Rheinmetall currently employs around 44,000 people, but expects that figure to rise to 70,000 by 2030. The company estimates that a further 210,000 jobs could be created across related supply chains.
Papperger also stressed the company’s extensive domestic industrial network, noting that Rheinmetall works with approximately 11,500 German suppliers, including 4,500 that also serve the automotive sector.
According to him, the expanding defence industry could eventually absorb around one-third of the jobs being lost in Germany’s struggling car industry, which is undergoing significant downsizing.
The company is meanwhile continuing to increase production capacity and deepen cooperation with partners, including in the repair and manufacture of military equipment.
Of course, this is a corporate claim, but one thing is clear: Europe, losing its sense of stability and recalibrating under conflict, must and will upscale it production, and Germany, with its up-to-now dormant but excellent industry, will be a main player.
Germany announces plans to assert itself as military powerhouse
