Rheinmetall doubles the production of explosive powder, responding to the increased demand from Europe's rearmament program.

The German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall is expanding its factory in Aschau am Inn, Bavaria, with the aim of doubling the production of explosive powder for ammunition, in the context of increased demand generated by the rearmament of Europe.

The project, named 'Project Firepower', will transform the factory into one of the largest in Europe. The increase in defense investments, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has highlighted the lack of production capacity for ammunition, especially for explosive powder. Rheinmetall's CEO, Armin Papperger, emphasized the importance of powder for defense.

The company has secured the supply chain and is developing alternatives to reduce dependence on imports from China. After the expansion, annual production will reach 4,200 metric tons by 2028. Rheinmetall, which controls the entire ammunition manufacturing chain, will produce powder for various types of weaponry.

Demand remains high, and the director estimates that the order portfolio will exceed 100 billion euros, highlighting the need to rebuild industrial capacities to respond to new security challenges.