{
  "id": 15922415,
  "title": "Deep Read: „Schon ein spezielles Animal“: Seltene Einblicke in Deutschlands größte Handwaffenschmiede",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/deep-read-schon-ein-spezielles-animal-seltene-einblicke-in",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-21T17:07:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/ruestung-seltene-einblicke-in-deutschlands-groesste-handwaffenschmiede/100261494.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "Oberndorf am Neckar. At the bustling railway station, a steep climb of four kilometers uphill reveals a modest yet remarkable presence of a Swabian entrepreneur, ideally positioned as a \"Hidden Champion,\" yet too well-known to escape the shadows of the Black Forest and Swabian Alb. The waiting area beyond the reception hall offers refreshments such as keychains, pocket knives, and patches, hinting at the stark contrast between this establishment and typical automotive suppliers or machine manufacturers. The NATO barbed wire and drone no-fly zones surrounding the factory grounds, coupled with the warmly lit display cases in the conference room, proudly showcase the company's full product range, including assault rifles, machine guns, pistols, machine pistols, and grenade launchers.\n\nHeckler & Koch, a formidable name in the arms industry, has reaped substantial profits since its inception. Last fiscal year, the company achieved a record-breaking revenue of 393 million euros, with an operating result (Ebitda) of 67.9 million euros. In addition to these impressive figures, Heckler & Koch secured new contracts worth 802 million euros in the previous fiscal year alone. The escalating security situation has further fueled the company's growth, with sales surging almost 50% compared to the previous year, reaching 264 million euros in the first half. Even more promisingly, the Bundeswehr recently confirmed its complete acquisition of the 250,000 G95 assault rifles under a framework agreement, ensuring the company's capacity is well-utilized for many years to come.\n\nChief Executive Jens Bodo Koch, witnessing the company's visit at the beginning of October, exclaims, \"The contract will help us keep our operations running smoothly for many years.\" Amidst these achievements, a pertinent question arises: How did Koch navigate the company from the brink of collapse to its current status? What remains of the company's debt burden, and does CEO Koch harbor any fears regarding potential misuse of these weapons in the wrong hands?",
  "summary": "Heckler & Koch stand vor dem Aus. Dann kam ein neuer Chef und Russland überfiel die Ukraine. Jetzt bringen Sturmgewehre satte Gewinne – und finanzieren am Firmensitz Feuerwehr und Schwimmbad.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Handelsblatt",
        "title": "Deep Read: \"The most consequential impact of his presidency\": Trump's diabolical pact with Silicon Valley",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/deep-read-die-folgenreichste-wirkung-seiner-prasidentschaft-trumps",
        "published": "2026-10-20T18:03:55.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}