{
  "id": 7976270,
  "title": "Rheinmetall CEO Papperger: \"Robots are coming\"",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/rheinmetall-ceo-papperger-robots-are-coming-7976270",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-17T05:25:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euronews Business",
    "slug": "euronews-business",
    "url": "https://www.euronews.com/business/2026/09/17/rheinmetall-ceo-papperger-robots-are-coming"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Germany aims to significantly bolster its defense capabilities. This effort extends beyond increasing ammunition and missile production. Air defense, drones, and advanced technologies like humanoid robots and space-based systems are gaining prominence. Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger discusses rearmament, current constraints, and potential decisive weapons systems for the future. At the vessel keel-landing ceremony for the third class 424 fleet service boat in Wolgast, Papperger spoke about Germany's arms production, the Skyranger's role, and future weapons.\n\nEuronews: Mr. Papperger, in March you stated that missile stocks were alarmingly low. How is the situation now?\nPapperger: The current state is still concerning. Producing missiles quickly is not feasible, which is why Rheinmetall and other manufacturers are investing heavily. There are bottlenecks in rocket motors and warheads, and we must dramatically speed up production to meet sufficient target levels if threats arise.\n\nEuronews: What is the status of the Skyranger systems? Will they arrive on time? How quickly is this progress?\nPapperger: The Skyranger contract mandates series deliveries to commence in 2027. This is occurring, with only minor delays. Updates are required in chassis, radar technology, and missile integration. However, Rheinmetall, in collaboration with BAAINBw and the ministry, is actively addressing these issues. Skyranger production capacity will rise to 400 units per year from the end of next year, sufficient to meet demand.\n\nEuronews: There is a joint venture for deep strike capabilities. What is the status of this initiative?\nPapperger: The joint venture with Destinus for artillery rockets and Lockheed Martin for cruise missiles is nearing completion. We anticipate receiving the first cruise missile order by the end of this year or the beginning of next.\n\nEuronews: Should we focus on simpler systems in greater numbers, as seen in Ukraine?\nPapperger: Yes, we are pursuing this approach. However, certain systems, like the Skyranger, offer multi-capabilities that simpler solutions cannot match. The Skyranger, for instance, can neutralize missiles traveling at Mach 3, a task beyond interceptors and simpler devices. As threats evolve, the Skyranger's adaptability becomes crucial.\n\nEuronews: How significant is the defense industry, especially Rheinmetall, as an employment driver?\nPapperger: Rheinmettal serves as a robust job generator. Currently, it employs approximately 34,000 people (excluding the civilian sector). We are growing by around 10,000 net annually, with a goal of reaching 70,000 by 2030. This would support a supply chain employing 210,000 individuals, nearly 300,000 jobs in total.\n\nEuronews: How quickly can arms and ammunition production be ramped up?\nPapperger: Rheinmetall is actively increasing production. Medium calibre ammunition output has risen from under one million to four million rounds, artillery rounds from 70,000 to 1.5 million, and tank ammunition from 40,000 to 240,000. We are constructing more trucks and investing heavily in logistics and tactical vehicles. The primary constraint is insufficient order volume to further expand production.\n\nEuronews: What lies ahead? Will future focus lie in drones, space, or humanoid robots?\nPapperger: Robots, particularly humanoid robots, are inevitable. We are investing in research at our Bremen center. Space and drones will also remain focal points, given their critical roles. Advanced technologies, including satellites and drone capabilities, will continue to evolve.",
  "summary": "Rheinmetall boss Armin Papperger on missile shortages, ramped-up arms production and future weapons. What lessons come from Ukraine, Skyranger, drones, combat robots and space? Interview with the head of Germany's largest defence firm.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Euronews",
        "title": "Rheinmetall CEO Papperger: \"Robots are coming\"",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/rheinmetall-ceo-papperger-robots-are-coming",
        "published": "2026-09-17T05:25:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}