European allied forces are currently unprepared for a potential conflict with Russia, according to Armin Papperger, CEO of German defense firm Rheinmetall.
In an interview with Faces of Democracy, as reported by Digi24, Papperger emphasized the necessity of increasing defense expenditures to at least 3% of GDP to address existing deficiencies.
Europe’s Military Readiness at Risk
Papperger highlighted that neither the German Bundeswehr nor allied European armies are presently capable of withstanding a Russian attack, which experts consider possible in the coming years.
He pointed out that replenishing ammunition stocks alone could take approximately a decade, underscoring the urgency of bolstering defense capabilities.
More Defense Spending Needed
To meet demands in areas such as air defense, vehicle procurement, and battlefield digitalization, Papperger advocated for allocating 3% or more of GDP to defense.
For Germany, this would translate to around €120 billion, a substantial increase from the current €51 billion defense budget.
He acknowledged the challenges in securing additional funding, noting that it may require extraordinary budgets, adjustments to debt limitations, or reallocations—tasks he described as "probably very difficult."
Challenges in Military Production
Addressing industrial capacity, Papperger noted that current production capabilities are insufficient for large-scale manufacturing of equipment, such as Leopard tanks.
He stated that significant investments and substantial orders, akin to those in Russia, would be necessary to establish mass or automated production lines.
Papperger affirmed Rheinmetall's commitment to expanding production facilities to meet client needs, citing successful increases in ammunition production as evidence of their capacity to scale operations.
