Rheinmetall Reports Record Profits Amid European Military Expansion
The German defense giant sees unprecedented growth in military contracts, driven by geopolitical tensions and increased NATO spending.
- Rheinmetall's revenue surged by 36% in 2024 to €9.75 billion, with operating profits reaching a record €1.48 billion, up 61% year-over-year.
- The company’s order backlog hit €55 billion, a 44% increase from the previous year, reflecting robust demand for military equipment from NATO countries.
- CEO Armin Papperger described the current period as an 'epoch of rearmament in Europe,' emphasizing long-term growth prospects for the defense sector.
- Rheinmetall plans to increase its workforce by 20%, growing from 32,000 to approximately 40,000 employees within two years, while repurposing some automotive production facilities for military manufacturing.
- The company continues to play a pivotal role in supporting Ukraine, supplying weapons and building local production facilities, while CEO Papperger remains under police protection due to reported threats.