Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, has indicated a potential shift towards mandatory military service in Germany if voluntary recruitment fails to meet needs. In interviews with RTL and ntv, Papperger stated his belief that a return to conscription could occur within two years if the current voluntary system proves insufficient.
Despite this outlook, Papperger commended the current strategy of Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, which prioritizes voluntary service. Rheinmetall, a major employer in the sector, is experiencing significant growth, currently employing 40,000 people and projecting expansion to 70,000 within the next two to three years. Papperger estimates the security industry could support approximately 500,000 jobs in Germany.
Addressing the challenges posed by increasing order volumes, Papperger expressed confidence in Rheinmetall’s capacity to manage the demand. The company is actively expanding its production facilities across Europe, with over ten projects underway. Looking ahead to 2030, Papperger outlined ambitious financial goals for Rheinmetall, targeting annual revenues between 40 and 50 billion euros and a profit of nearly 10 billion euros.
Ultimately, Papperger’s personal aspiration for the future is a more secure world. He emphasized his hope that global safety will have improved by the time he concludes his tenure as CEO.