By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following NATO’s announcement of a foiled Russian plot to assassinate him, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger attributed the assassination attempt to Russia’s displeasure with Rheinmetall’s significant contribution of 155 mm artillery shells and other munitions to Ukraine and other Western nations. He noted that Russia, as a major producer of large-caliber ammunition, likely views Rheinmetall’s support for Western defense efforts as detrimental to its own interests. Papperger confirmed that his safety is currently being ensured by police.
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The Rheinmetall CEO’s claim that Russia planned his assassination stems from their dissatisfaction with the West’s military aid to Ukraine. This isn’t just about a single company; Rheinmetall is a crucial part of NATO’s armor production, contributing significantly to everything from artillery shells to the main guns of American Abrams tanks. Targeting its CEO is akin to attacking the head of Lockheed Martin, a move with far-reaching geopolitical consequences.
Such an act would likely trigger a decisive NATO response, potentially leading to Russia’s permanent removal from Europe. This isn’t simply a matter of retaliatory action; the current situation demands a stronger stance from the West, as Russia’s actions represent a clear act of war. The ongoing conflict, arguably initiated in 2014, demands a more assertive approach to push Russia out of Ukraine, using all available means except nuclear weapons.
The CEO’s relatively modest salary of €3.6 million, compared to the almost triple amount earned by Lockheed Martin’s CEO, further underscores the severity of the situation. His compensation is reasonable considering his role and the stakes involved. The potential assassination attempt highlights the significant risks associated with supplying Ukraine with weapons. This risk is further compounded by the slow manufacturing speed of German weapons, a factor that has led some European countries to seek alternative suppliers. This has resulted in lost opportunities for Rheinmetall and a missed chance to make Russia truly feel the pressure of sanctions.
The slow manufacturing speed, however, shouldn’t overshadow Rheinmetall’s immense capacity. It remains one of the world’s largest arms manufacturers, exceeding US production of 155mm artillery shells. The underestimation of the Russian invasion by many European leaders, coupled with Germany’s post-World War II hesitancy towards defense spending, contributed to the initial supply shortages. However, the situation is changing; Europe is rapidly increasing defense spending, and Rheinmetall has seen a tenfold increase in its stock value over three years, reflecting this shift.
Russia’s extensive preparation for this conflict and its current peak defense spending highlight the scale of the threat. Europe’s current production levels remain low but show promising growth. A successful collaboration between Ukrainian and German weapons manufacturers could produce game-changing results. The risk to the CEO extends beyond Russia; sensitive information related to his work could also attract unwanted attention from other governments.
The notion that Russia would get away with such an act is questionable. While Russia has successfully gambled on Western apathy in the past, assassinating a high-profile CEO would likely cross a red line, prompting a far more robust reaction than a strongly worded letter. NATO’s slow response to previous Russian actions doesn’t diminish the potential consequences of this specific threat; individual NATO members could react independently and swiftly. The current conflict resembles more of a struggle over the flow of oil and gas resources, reminiscent of the tug-of-war between a mother and her children.
The lack of decisive action from NATO can be attributed to the inherent difficulties of coordinating between 32 countries. Nevertheless, the potential consequences of the assassination would serve as a wake-up call, emphasizing the need for a tougher stance. Ironically, the situation creates opportunities to engage in unusual forms of support for Ukraine, as exemplified by the availability of Ukrainian-made Patriot memorabilia and even missile fragments on online marketplaces. The risk and legality of importing such items, however, are left to the discretion of the buyer. The situation remains volatile and uncertain, but the consequences of an assassination attempt remain far-reaching and potentially catastrophic.