Dusseldorf, 24 July 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Germany's biggest arms manufacturer Rheinmetall confirmed on Wednesday that it is building an ammunition factory in Ukraine after receiving the order from the Ukrainian government.

The project was first announced in February. The order volume is in the low three-digit million-euro range. Ammunition production is set to start within 24 months and a six-digit number of artillery ammunition is to be manufactured each year.

The main focus will be on making the 155-millimetre calibre ammunition used by Western countries, but other types of ammunition are also planned.

The factory will be operated by a joint venture that Rheinmetall intends to set up soon with a state-owned Ukrainian company.

The factory would "create a Ukrainian centre of excellence for ammunition with our partner," said Rheinmetall boss Armin Papperger.

Germany's largest arms manufacturer is one of the most important suppliers of military equipment to Ukraine.

The Dusseldorf-based company has already supplied tanks, air defence systems, ammunition and other equipment to Kiev.

Rheinmetall already operates an armour plant in western Ukraine through a joint venture with a Ukrainian partner.

MIA file photo