Trump Arms Pressure on Europe Is Good, Rheinmetall CEO Says

CEO wants European defense company with €40 billion in sales
Papperger is under strong protection after assassination plot

Armin Papperger
Photographer: Liesa Johannssen/Bloomberg

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By Laura Alviz and Jonathan Ferro

January 14, 2025 at 1:11 PM UTC

Updated on

January 14, 2025 at 3:34 PM UTC

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Europe’s defense industry must consolidate to bolster production as the region faces Russian aggression and calls from Donald Trump to strengthen its military, Rheinmetall AG Chief Executive Officer Armin Papperger said.

“The pressure Trump is creating at the moment is good for Europe,” the CEO said Tuesday on Bloomberg Television, referring to the US president elect’s comments that Europe should spend as much as 5% of gross domestic product on defense. Rheinmetall plans to engage “very early” with Trump’s administration, Papperger added.