At the Stock Exchange, Rheinmetall Sets New Standards: At the Start of the Week, the Defense Company's Share Price Reached an Unprecedented All-Time High of 546.60 Euros in XETRA Trading. During Further Trading, the Price Stabilized at 544.20 Euros, Corresponding to an Increase of 1.38 Percent.
This upward trend is primarily supported by a solid backlog of orders and the resulting strong business performance. The demand for armaments has increased in the wake of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and the escalating tensions in the Middle East, making Rheinmetall, along with other defense companies such as RENK and HENSOLDT, sought-after stocks on the equity market.
A specific boost for Rheinmetall's stock also emerges from the planned outfitting of the Leopard 3 battle tank, which is also intended to be delivered to the Bundeswehr, with a more powerful cannon. Instead of the current 120-millimeter cannon, a 130-millimeter cannon is planned, as reported by "Die Welt". For the first time, a government research and development program for the new weapon system and ammunition has been decided upon with the Ministry of Defense.
This decision marks the first caliber change in four decades, when the transition was made from the Leopard 1 with a 105-millimeter cannon to the Leopard 2 with a 120-millimeter cannon.
The choice of cannon caliber also has political aspects, particularly with regards to the German-French defense project MGCS (Main Ground Combat System), in which a future battle tank is being developed. This is intended to serve from 2040 as the Leopard 3 in the German army and as the successor to the Leclerc in the French armed forces. France prefers a 140-millimeter cannon for this project, manufactured by the French conglomerate Nexter, which further fuels the debate about future equipment.