As chief executive of German arms giant Rheinmetall, Armin Papperger has gone from leading a relatively unknown business outside Germany to now being at the head of one of the most high-profile companies in Europe. Rheinmetall is profiting not from war, Papperger argues, but a realisation around Europe that many overdid it with the post-Cold War peace dividend and invested “almost nothing” in defence and security. A Rheinmetall Caracal Air Assault vehicle at the Defence and Security Equipment International fair in London, England. Looking to the future, Papperger sees greater potential for closer European defence co-operation – once, that is, the deals are lead by Rheinmetall. “I am a major investor in this firm,” he said, “and I am very relaxed.”[ Lessons for Ireland from German unificationOpens in new window ]

Source: The Irish Times November 29, 2025 16:54 UTC