Rheinmetall, travel to Italian factories where ammunition and defense systems for Ukraine are produced

The test we entered a new world? It is in Settecamini: «Tiburtina Valley», Rome metropolitan area. There is a new relationship between Italy and Germany. No longer that, in difficulty, linked to the supplies of advanced components for the German automotive industry: from the Bergamo valleys, you descend to the south, closer to the government. There, in a large Hangar of Rheinmetall Italia, four very modern air defense systems are about to leave for Kiev.

The geopolitical picture

I am the sign that Putin’s attack on Ukraine He changed the geopolitical picture of Europe and also transformed the security industry. It is the new world in which Rome and Berlin are intended for long -term collaboration. The CEO of Rheinmetall in Italy, Alessandro Ercolani, says that the invasion of Ukraine has not only forced European governments to massive investment plans in the defense. «The land sector has long been neglected in Italy, as on the other hand in the United States, in favor of investments in planes and naval programs -explains -. With the war in Ukraine, the perspective has changed and now 40-50% of investments are intended for terrestrial activities. This makes Germany, which in the field has solid industries, an ideal partner ». Italy « is putting us consistent budgets, » says the CEO. And even more the German government will do. Not only that. The same war showed that « the most terrible threat is now the drone ».

What has changed

In short, the invasion of Ukraine was a great « accelerator » of changes in the military field. The four air defense systems departing for Kiev, where Rheinmetall Italia has already sent manyfor example, they are able to launch missiles against arriving devices with great precision, but they can also shoot an extraordinary anti-drone ammunition speed. ANDRcolani explains that drones arrive in Nugoli: the special bullets to break them down are shot by the cannon of the defense system and, thanks to a supercalcolo capacity, explode when they are among the enemy drones. Technology, today, is the key to the development of armaments.

Sensors and algorithms

The cannons made by Rheinmetall in the Roman outskirts – guided by radar, sensors and algorithms – are systems Short-Rangecapable of protecting with a radius of four kilometers; they have the great advantage of costing a hundred thousands of euros each, « little » compared, for example, of the patriots who are long-range But they can cost five million for each system. In Settecamini, Reheinmetall produces both these aerial defense systems and ammunition. « Sectors in which we are a leader, » says Ercolani. The largest customer is of course Ukraine. The German company, which is based in Düsseldorf, has also opened two plants in Ukraine, one for the ammunition and one for the maintenance of mobile vehicles. And, speaking of factories of German cars and of conversionis buying a Volkswagen system in Germany to convert it to the production of ammunition.

Collaborations

The Italian-German collaboration is already underway. In February, Leonardo and Rheinmetall have formed a joint venture to produce tanks and armored vehicles. The Italian defense wants 1,500 new wagons in ten years and has assigned the two companies the contract to make them. « With two requirements – explains Ercolani – that it is a European collaboration with a national dimension and that development has a technological content that remains in Italy ». Panther and Lynx wagons (an order for now six billion) will have German parts (the mobile base structure) of the Reheinmetall AG in Germany, that is, 40% of the project; Torretta and electronic Leonardo systems, 50%; Air defense of Rehinmetall Italia, 10%: European project, for 60% developed in Italy and 40% in Germany.

The turning point of Germany

Then, there is Friedrich Merz. The German Chancellor in pectorewhich should enter in office shortly after Easter, has already set the greatest investment in defense of Germany from the post -war period. Hundreds of billions to modernize the disastrous German army and to have a leadership role in Europe. Great opportunity for cooperation with Italy, which has excellent companies in the defense sector, from Leonardo to Fincantieri. In addition, the REARM EU plan pushed by the EU Commission provides for substantial investments, given the geopolitical evolution of the world. For companies in the sector, the push to growth will not end with the war in Ukraine: the rearmament will go on for years. On the stock exchange, the title of Rheinmetall AG traveled under 300 euros in 2023, today moves around 1,400 despite the recent collapses in the markets. Apple descends, Rheinmetall salt: it’s the new world.