Armin Papperger boosts security after Russian assassination plot fails
- Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, faced a foiled Russian assassination attempt last year.
- His security measures have been significantly increased to match that of Germany's chancellor.
- The situation highlights the pressing need for increased defense spending across Europe.
In Germany, on March 21, 2025, Armin Papperger, the CEO of Rheinmetall, the nation's foremost arms manufacturer, has significantly bolstered his security measures following a failed assassination attempt orchestrated by Russian operatives last year. The German state of North Rhine-Westphalia has historically provided him with bodyguards, but the heightened threat level has now necessitated an enhancement of this protection, bringing his security detail in line with that of the chancellor. This increase in security is not an isolated event but reflects a broader trend regarding the tensions in Europe and rising threats against key business figures linked to national security. Amid mounting global conflicts, the urgency for enhanced defense strategies across Europe is underscored by the growing capacity of arms manufacturers, including Rheinmetall, which is poised to receive increased governmental orders as a result of international geopolitical dynamics. The current climate calls for a deeper commitment from European nations to defense spending, to adequately equip themselves against potential aggressors, such as Russia, that are actively seeking to undermine stability within the region. With the military landscape rapidly evolving, European arms makers are urging governments to escalate their procurement orders to ensure they can effectively respond to emerging threats.