Germany Begins Construction of Europe's Largest Gunpowder Factory

According to a report by Reference News on July 25, the Bavarian state government held a groundbreaking ceremony for a powder factory on Wednesday, which is a subsidiary of the military giant Rheinmetall under the company Nitrochemie. German authorities stated that once completed, the factory will become the largest and most modern powder factory in Europe.

Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger and Bavarian Governor Markus Söder attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the powder factory held in the town of Aschau am Inn.

Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs, Development and Energy Hubert Aiwanger stated in a press release: “The expansion of Nitrochemie is an important contribution to Germany's and Europe's defense capabilities.”

According to the German Ministry of Defense, the new production facilities after the factory is completed will “achieve a comprehensive expansion of production capacity and provide fair prices for customers.”

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the importance of the new factory, stating that it will help maintain Germany's and Europe's military sovereignty.

He said: “Until a few years ago, most of our powder and ammunition were sourced from abroad, and we hardly produced any ourselves. This situation must change.”

“We need to reduce our dependence on other countries,” Pistorius explained, “and the best way to achieve this is through domestic production and expanding capacity.”

The Aschau am Inn factory is expected to increase Germany's powder production capacity by six times. Powder is a key material for manufacturing small arms ammunition, artillery systems, and missiles. (Translated by Tian Ce)