Ukraine rebukes Rheinmetall over CEO’s ‘play with Legos’ drone insult
politico.eu • • world
Key Points:
- Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger faced backlash after dismissing Ukraine’s drone program as lacking technological innovation, describing it as amateurish and produced by "Ukrainian housewives" using 3-D printers at home.
- Ukrainian officials and defense industry figures criticized Papperger’s comments, emphasizing the effectiveness and battlefield impact of Ukraine’s drones, with one executive highlighting how inexpensive drones can destroy costly military equipment.
- Critics also accused Western defense firms of being reluctant to share technology with Ukraine, asserting that Ukraine’s military innovations are driven by necessity and ingenuity rather than traditional corporate standards.
- Rheinmetall later issued a statement expressing respect for Ukraine’s innovation and fighting spirit, affirming its support for Kyiv despite the earlier controversy.
