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April 1, 2024
Panzerhaubitze 2000. Photo credit: FABIAN BIMMER/REUTERS
Germany’s defense industry is calling on European countries to create large-scale specialized weapons companies.
If Europe wants closer defense cooperation, countries will need to specialize in specific military technologies, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Pappelger said.
Papelger said this is the most difficult debate European politicians are having at government level.
“It makes no sense to choose the second or third best technology just because one country wants it. Europe needs large arms companies.” said the CEO of Rheinmetall.
European defense companies compete with each other, military budgets are controlled at the national level, and countries seek to maintain control of strategic supply chains, factories, jobs, and technological advantages.
An example of successful cross-border cooperation is that MBDA, Europe’s largest manufacturer under the British defense industry BAE Systems, and Airbus, a European aircraft manufacturer, each hold a 37.5% stake, with the remainder held by Italy’s Leonardo. There is.
Papelger also believes that in the event of a major military conflict, the United States could focus on Asia while leaving Europe alone.
In his opinion, if Donald Trump becomes US president, there will be even more pressure on Germany. At the same time, the Rheinmetall CEO added that the race to restore the country’s military power will continue regardless of who is in the White House.
He said that for decades European leaders had taken for granted that the United States would support the continent in the event of a military threat, but “that’s not going to happen anymore.” ” he pointed out.
The U.S. military faces unique challenges, among which Papelger cited increasing political polarization.
“The big challenge for the next U.S. president will be to unite the two parties. It’s bad for a nation to have the world’s largest economy and greatest defense power divided.” said the CEO of Rheinmetall.
As previously reported, German weapons manufacturer Rheinmetall plans to establish at least four weapons manufacturing plants in Ukraine.
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