Rheinmetall Inaugurates New Medium Caliber Production in Albacete
Rheinmetall has commissioned a new production facility for medium caliber components in Albacete, Spain. The plant will have an annual capacity of approximately three million components.
Rheinmetall, a major ammunition manufacturer, has commenced operations at its new, modern medium caliber production facility in Albacete, Spain. This expansion is part of the company's "Firepower" project aimed at increasing European ammunition production capabilities.
The facility is designed to produce around three million medium caliber components annually. Production capacity for mortar systems, a traditional strength of the Albacete site, is also being significantly expanded. The investment totals approximately EUR 20 million, and the workforce is expected to grow by about a third to around 300 employees.
The plant will manufacture components for 20mm to 35mm calibers, including approximately 1.2 million projectiles and 1.8 million cartridge cases per year. These components will be supplied to other Rheinmetall facilities, such as the one in Burgos, for further processing into various ammunition types for platforms like infantry fighting vehicles and air defense systems.
The new medium caliber production line is housed in a 5,700 square meter area, with an additional 5,200 square meter building constructed to boost mortar system output. Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger highlighted Albacete's strategic importance for the company, Spain, and European defense capabilities.
This expansion reinforces Rheinmetall's role as a European defense contractor responding to increased demand and supporting NATO allies. Collaboration with other Rheinmetall European sites and local suppliers is intended to ensure supply chain stability.