09/09/2025 | Press release

Rheinmetall, one of the world’s foremost munitions producers, is accelerating its global expansion to strengthen sovereign defence capabilities across NATO and partner nations – with the UK playing a central role. From infantry ammunition to advanced artillery, naval systems, and emerging weapon technologies, 
Rheinmetall is investing in infrastructure, expertise and industrial capacity to meet both today’s operational demands and tomorrow’s battlefield requirements.

For Britain, this is about more than supply - it’s about restoring and advancing sovereign capability. Rheinmetall’s confirmed UK Gun Hall in Telford will reestablish large-calibre barrel manufacturing, a strategic capacity absent for decades. Rheinmetall is preparing to deliver Challenger 3 tanks equipped with Rheinmetall weapons and ammunition, while other major programmes progress, including the Mobile Fires Platform artillery system, 120mm mortar systems, and the joint UK-German 120mm Enhanced Kinetic Energy (EKE) tank round.

Beyond these specific programmes, Rheinmetall’s wider munitions portfolio continues to grow, covering calibres from 20mm to 155mm across land, sea and air. This includes advanced artillery solutions, medium-calibre naval airburst ammunition, and the 40mm Squad Support Weapon - currently an area of exploration for future infantry firepower.

This UK momentum is part of a broader, rapidly scaling global network designed to meet NATO’s collective readiness goals. New manufacturing sites in Europe and North America are expanding production and creating secure supply lines that can surge when required. The result: a munitions enterprise that is global in 
reach yet capable of delivering sovereign solutions – a critical combination in an era of evolving threats.

Armin Papperger, CEO and Chairman of Rheinmetall AG, said: “We are building a munitions network that is global in reach but sovereign in capability - ensuring our customers can depend on us for their most critical defence requirements, in any scenario. For the UK, this is about more than manufacturing - it’s about 
securing a future-proof industrial base that can deliver, adapt and lead.”

By embedding Britain’s defence capabilities within Rheinmetall’s expanding global production network, the UK is gaining not only the firepower to meet today’s needs but also the industrial resilience to shape the battlefields of tomorrow.