German defence giant Rheinmetall’s earnings surge as Europe rearms

2026-03-11 - 09:34

A Rheinmetall Wheeled self-propelled Howitzer is displayed during the official opening ceremony of a new Rheinmetall ammunition plant in Unterluess, Germany. (EPA Images pic) FRANKFURT: German defence giant Rheinmetall on Wednesday reported a record core profit in 2025, with Europe racing to re-arm as it contends with a hostile Russia and turmoil in transatlantic ties. The group’s operating profit rose by a third to hit a new record of 1.8 billion euros (US$2.1 billion) last year, while sales jumped nearly 30 percent to 9.9 billion euros. It forecast sales would grow up to 45 percent this year, to a maximum of 14.5 billion euros. “The world is changing rapidly, and Rheinmetall is well prepared,” CEO Armin Papperger said. “We are needed when it comes to increasing the defence capabilities of Germany and Europe and creating an effective deterrence.”