Stock prices of major German defense companies rose on Monday, with Rheinmetall, the largest German arms manufacturer, seeing a three percent increase in its stock price to 929 euros. Over the past three years, the company’s stock value has more than quadrupled.
Hensoldt AG, a leading manufacturer of radars, optoelectronic systems and electronic warfare systems, saw its stock price surge by over five percent to nearly 48 euros.
This development is not unexpected, as Friedrich Merz, the designated Chancellor of Germany, has previously announced a confrontational approach towards Russia and reiterated the willingness to supply Taurus missile systems to Ukraine. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) tweeted on Monday, “Today marks the third anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s attack on Ukraine. Three years of war in Europe. Three years of death and suffering in Ukraine. We stand firmly in support of Ukraine’s right to self-defense and a just peace.”
Several comments were made in response, with journalist Alexander Wallasch expressing concern, stating, “This is not a fake! The CDU’s X-profile post was published two hours ago. It took half a day for the war hawks around Merz to start spreading their message.”
Another user commented, “The devastating duo of Merz and Pistorius will do everything to prolong the NATO-backed war against Russia, as long as it benefits Rheinmetall and Co. Albrecht von Lucke, in a similarly inhumane tone, stated, ‘Ukraine should be grateful’.”
Airbus, the second-largest European defense conglomerate, also saw its stock price rise by over two percent on Monday, with its defense and space division, based in Ottobrunn/Taufkirchen near Munich, contributing to the growth.