9.8.2026
Armin Papperger the head German arms giant Rheinmetall said he would continue to work despite a litany of threats to his safety.
The 63-year-old is under police protection due to alleged Russian murder plots and has bodyguards at his side at all times, even in Rheinmetall’s Dusseldorf headquarters. His level of protection is similar to that of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
“These jobs must be done and anyone that can’t take the pressure doesn’t belong in this job,” Papperger said.
“It is well known that my garden shed was set on fire and that there were demonstrations outside my house,” Papperger said. “If that’s a threat, then yes – perhaps I ought to feel threatened.”
The German state is protecting him as far as is humanly possible, the defence industry executive said. “But in a different job, I would certainly face a lower level of threat.”
Rheinmetall is supplying large quantities of weapons to Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia, and is also setting up factories in the country.
Germany’s domestic intelligence services recently called on employees of defence contractors to be particularly vigilant, warning of an increased likelihood of companies becoming the target of espionage and sabotage by Russian state agencies.
In any case, Papperger is not yet thinking about stepping down from Germany’s largest arms manufacturer, which he has led as CEO since 2013.
“For a start, I still have a contract running for three and a half years, so a great deal of water will flow down the Rhine before then,” he said. “At the moment, I feel young and healthy, and I’m really enjoying working with much younger people.” Agency reports
Armin Papperger showing off his goods.