The largest German arms company Rheinmetall intends to produce tanks, air defense systems and ammunition in Ukraine in the future, Handelsblatt reports..

According to Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, it is planned to conclude some cooperation and joint venture agreements with Ukrainian companies in the coming weeks..

We are talking about joint ventures for automotive systems, air defense and ammunition.. Reportedly, investments in new plants will come from the Ukrainian state..

“In this way, we give Ukraine the opportunity to defend itself in the medium and long term,” Papperger said..

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As a specific example, the head of Rheinmetall cited the previously announced plans for the manufacture of Panther-type main battle tanks in Ukraine, which the company can produce up to 400 per year..

“Just as the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle is being built at a plant in Hungary, our newly developed Panther main battle tank can roll off the assembly line at a Ukrainian plant,” said Papperger..

Earlier, the head of the German defense concern Rheinmetall said that his plant would be able to produce up to 600,000 artillery ammunition per year for Ukraine..

Ukraine is also considering the possibility of joint production of Skynex short-range air defense system components with Rheinmetall..