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Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger Refuses to Yield Amid Russian Threats

other · 2026-08-09

Armin Papperger, the 63-year-old head of German defense firm Rheinmetall, remains resolute despite facing safety threats believed to be connected to Russia. In a recent statement, he underscored the importance of his role and asserted that those unable to handle the associated pressure should reconsider their careers. Currently, he is under police protection, including bodyguards stationed at Rheinmetall's Dusseldorf base, akin to security provided to Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Papperger has experienced vandalism at his property and acknowledged these incidents as potential threats, yet he trusts the government’s protective strategies amidst escalating risks in the defense sector.

Key facts

  • Armin Papperger is the CEO of Rheinmetall, a German arms manufacturer.
  • Papperger is 63 years old.
  • He is under police protection due to alleged Russian murder plots.
  • His security detail includes bodyguards at all times, even at Rheinmetall's Dusseldorf headquarters.
  • His level of protection is similar to that of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
  • Papperger's garden shed was set on fire and there were demonstrations outside his house.
  • He stated, 'These jobs must be done and anyone that can’t take the pressure doesn’t belong in this job.'
  • He said, 'The German state is protecting him as far as is humanly possible.'

Entities

Institutions

  • Rheinmetall

Locations

  • Dusseldorf
  • Germany

Sources