- Rheinmetall plans to establish a new logistics and technology center at Kassel Airport in North Hesse.
- The State of Hesse will support Rheinmetall’s investment, which totals a three-digit million euro sum.
- The new center, scheduled for late 2027 operation, will include a drone test facility and aims to boost operational capacity.
KASSEL, Germany — Rheinmetall plans to build a new logistics and technology center at Kassel Airport in North Hesse, Germany. The State Government of Hesse will support the project, which aims to strengthen the region as a defense and innovation hub.
Rheinmetall said in an emailed press release today that the investment totals a three-digit million euro sum. The company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Hesse on Thursday, August 27, 2026, outlining the plans.
Investment Details
The new logistics center will feature over 30,000 square meters of floor area. It will be located in Calden, near Kassel Airport. Rheinmetall expects the facility to be operational by the end of 2027.
The company also plans to establish a drone test center at the new Calden site. This will leverage the airport’s infrastructure for developing and testing Rheinmetall drones.
Strategic Importance
Rheinmetall expects the new center to significantly boost its operational capacity. It will ensure efficient processing of both domestic and international orders. The modern infrastructure aims for shorter processing times, optimized supply chains, and higher delivery quality.
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, stated the investment is a strategic move for significant orders in military vehicles. He added it strengthens capabilities for customers, particularly the Bundeswehr. Minister-President Boris Rhein said the project links Kassel’s industrial strength with Kassel Airport’s strategic infrastructure.
Regional Impact
The construction and operation of the new logistics center will create additional jobs in the Kassel district. Rheinmetall aims to reduce factory traffic around its existing plant in northern Kassel by relocating logistical processes to the new center. This will reduce lorry and delivery traffic on local roads.
An area of approximately 1,200 square meters within the new hub is earmarked as a training center. It will provide initial and further training for staff from Kassel and other Rheinmetall sites. Rheinmetall currently employs around 2,200 people at its Kassel site, which focuses on developing and manufacturing tactical wheeled and tracked vehicles.