German defense concern Rheinmetall has announced the launch of a new medium-caliber ammunition production plant at its facility in Albacete, Spain, RBC-Ukraine reports, citing the company's press service. The enterprise will become part of the concern's expanding European production network and will focus primarily on the needs of NATO partners and other allies regarding anti-aircraft artillery and counter-drone systems.
Investment and Workforce Growth
Rheinmetall has invested approximately €20 million in expanding production capacities in Albacete. The number of personnel at the facility is expected to grow by nearly a third, from the current 210 to about 300 people. Thus, the company is simultaneously boosting local employment and strengthening its industrial base in Southern Europe, which aligns with the overall strategy of relocating part of defense manufacturing to the continent.
What the New Line Will Produce
The new production line will manufacture ammunition in calibers ranging from 20 mm to 35 mm. Annual capacity is estimated at approximately 1.2 million projectiles and about 1.8 million cartridge cases. These components will subsequently be processed at other facilities within Rheinmetall's network to assemble finished rounds for infantry fighting vehicles and anti-aircraft artillery systems. The product range includes kinetic ammunition with time-fuzed detonators, armor-piercing rounds, and AHEAD-type ammunition designed for air defense systems and counter-drone operations.
Connection to Ukrainian Air Defense
Of particular note is the fact that 35 mm AHEAD ammunition is used by the Skynex air defense systems currently in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It was previously reported that Ukrainian military personnel used Skynex to eliminate over a dozen Shahed-type strike drones and a cruise missile in a single night. The Skynex system itself was transferred to Ukraine by Germany along with other weaponry as part of a declared military aid package, making the expansion of relevant shell production in Europe practically significant for maintaining the combat readiness of these systems.
Integration into the European Supply Network
The Albacete facility will cooperate with other Rheinmetall divisions in Spain, Germany, and Switzerland to meet the needs of NATO partners and other allies. According to the company, the development of a local supplier network creates new business opportunities throughout the region and reduces dependence on supply chains stretching across multiple countries. The launch of the Albacete plant continues the trajectory Rheinmetall is building across Europe: previously, the concern implemented projects for the production of artillery and anti-aircraft ammunition at new facilities in various countries, including agreements to build plants in Europe.
