Story perspectives

Germany Produces 1.1 M Ammo, Europe Demands Self-Reliance

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rheinmetall chief Armin Papperger said Germany makes more ammunition than the United States, with medium-caliber output rising to 1.1 million rounds per year from 70,000.
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reported military spending grew nearly 3 percent last year, driven by a 14 percent rise in European defense budgets.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged Europe to rely less on the United States and prioritize ammunition supplies and air-defence.

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Story summary

Rheinmetall chief Armin Papperger said Germany makes more ammunition than the United States, with medium-caliber output rising to 1.1 million rounds per year from 70,000.
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reported military spending grew nearly 3 percent last year, driven by a 14 percent rise in European defense budgets.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged Europe to rely less on the United States and prioritize ammunition supplies and air-defence.