Rheinmetall to Build Artillery Ammunition Factory in Latvia
German defense contractor Rheinmetall plans to establish a new artillery ammunition production facility in Latvia. The investment amounts to €275 million and is expected to create at least 150 local jobs.
German defense group Rheinmetall plans to build a new production facility in Latvia for 155 mm calibre artillery ammunition. The facility will be operated by a joint venture, with Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH holding a 51% stake and Latvia's state-owned defense company LLC holding 49%.
The total investment for the project is €275 million. The new plant is slated to produce tens of thousands of artillery shells annually. Construction is scheduled to commence in spring 2026, with production expected to begin approximately one year later. This investment is projected to create at least 150 local jobs, bolstering Latvia's defense industrial capabilities.
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa highlighted the agreement's significance for national security and the development of the defense sector. "This partnership not only strengthens our national defense but also contributes to supply security in Europe, enhances industrial capacity, and stimulates economic growth," Siliņa stated.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger noted that the new factory will reinforce the company's position as a leading global manufacturer of artillery ammunition. The company is also exploring similar production collaborations in other countries.