Chancellor Scholz stressed that the German and European defense industry must move to mass production of weapons as the conflict in Ukraine has exposed how European manufacturers are struggling to meet demand for ammunition, according to Reuters.
"Not only the US but all European countries must do more to support Ukraine. The commitments made so far are not enough. Germany's strength alone is not enough," Mr. Scholz added.
Mr Scholz insisted that the German military and defence industry could now rely on Berlin's commitment to meeting NATO's target of spending 2% of GDP on defence. "It is necessary. Because the harsh reality is that we are not living in a time of peace ," Mr Scholz said as he visited the future site of Rheinmetall's RHMG.DE weapons factory in central Germany.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on February 12 visited a production line at the future site of an arms factory, where arms manufacturer Rheinmetall plans to produce artillery from 2025.
Rheinmetall, one of the world's largest producers of artillery and tank ammunition, began ramping up production after Russia launched a military campaign in Ukraine, where demand for ammunition has exacerbated shortages and left European manufacturers struggling to meet demand, according to Reuters.
The German Chancellor made the above statement after CNN on February 11 quoted former US President Donald Trump threatening to encourage Russia to "do whatever they want" to NATO members that do not meet defense spending levels, in a surprising statement about not complying with the common defense clause if he is re-elected.
The White House later said Mr Trump's remarks were "appalling and baseless", while praising current President Joe Biden's efforts to strengthen the alliance.
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