Rheinmetall can produce up to 600,000 shells per year for Ukraine

This was stated by Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, Handelsblatt reports.

"We can produce up to 600,000 shells a year," he said.

The statement was made after EU Industry Commissioner Thierry Breton visited Rheinmetall's Unterluss plant.

The EU has promised to supply Ukraine with one million artillery shells a year to defend itself against occupying Russian troops.

"This goal must be achieved quickly. Due to the intense fighting, Ukraine risks running out of ammunition," Breton said.

• In early March, Papperger said that the arms maker was negotiating the construction of a tank factory in Ukraine.