Rheinmetall continues sales growth in first half of 2026

The Bundeswehr has ordered a second batch of 200 Puma IFVs. (Janes/Nicholas Fiorenza)

Rheinmetall announced in a press release on 6 August that it had strong sales growth and record profitability in the first half of 2026, with consolidated sales increasing by 39% to over EUR5.2 billion (USD6 billion) during the period. As of 30 June 2026, the group's order backlog was EUR80.5 billion, up from EUR56 billion in 2025.

Rheinmetall expected higher defence spending in numerous countries to ensure demand for military equipment, with a promising market situation and a continuing strong order book. However, it said that the cancellation of the F126 frigate programme had reduced sales forecast for its naval business and therefore the group as a whole by EUR300 million in the current fiscal year. As a result, the group expects sales for the 2026 business year to be in the EUR13.7-14.2 billion range, with organic sales growth largely unchanged at 28-31%.

Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said, “We have achieved record growth and are well on the way to meeting our annual targets, which remain very ambitious. We owe this not only to a very strong order book and the significant expansion of capacity, but also, above all, to the outstanding performance of our workforce...We are maintaining our solid growth trajectory and continuing to improve profitability, partly through a significant expansion of our capacity...and our capacity for innovation, which is reflected in promising new projects, provides a solid foundation for further growth.” He added that Rheinmetall was “working hard to fulfil our current maritime orders...and to secure new ones on the international stage.”