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Марія БровінськаWeapon
30 March 2026, 09:01
2026-03-30
Rheinmetall CEO calls Ukrainian drone manufacturers “housewives with 3D printers.” After a barrage of criticism, the company said it was inspired by Ukraine
German defense giant Rheinmetall, after a wave of criticism, said that «the innovative strength and fighting spirit of the Ukrainian people are inspiring.»
The company emphasized that Ukraine is demonstrating an effective fight even with limited resources, and the contribution of every Ukrainian to the resistance is «invaluable.»
German defense giant Rheinmetall, after a wave of criticism, said that «the innovative strength and fighting spirit of the Ukrainian people are inspiring.»
The company emphasized that Ukraine is demonstrating an effective fight even with limited resources, and the contribution of every Ukrainian to the resistance is «invaluable.»
«Housewives with 3D printers» and «Lego»
This statement came after a high-profile interview by Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger for The Atlantic.
In a conversation with journalist Simon Schuster, he sharply criticized Ukrainian drone manufacturers.
When it came to the development of Ukrainian drone-tech, Papperger called individual teams «Ukrainian housewives» who have «3D printers in the kitchen» and manufacture parts for drones.
«It’s like playing with Lego. What’s the innovation in Ukraine? They don’t have any technological breakthrough. They innovate with their little drones and say, 'Wow!' And it’s great. So what? But it’s not the level of technology of Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics or Rheinmetall,» he said.
Fire Point and Skyfall were mentioned as examples of Ukrainian manufacturers in the conversation.
The market’s response: «the era of housewives has arrived»
The statements caused a sharp reaction from the Ukrainian defense-tech community.
Simon Schuster later said that he had spoken to a Skyfall representative and relayed his response:
«If a drone created by Ukrainian 'housewives' is enough to destroy tanks and artillery, I think the era of housewives has officially arrived.»
A sharp change in rhetoric
After this public outcry, Rheinmetall actually changed its tone — from skepticism to recognition of Ukraine’s role in the modern technology war.
Rheinmetall wrote in X that it is inspired by the innovative strength and fighting spirit of the Ukrainian people.
«We have the highest respect for the tremendous efforts of the Ukrainian people in defending against Russian aggression — for over four years now. Every woman and every man in Ukraine makes an invaluable contribution. A special merit of Ukraine is that it is fighting very effectively even with limited resources. The innovative strength and fighting spirit of the Ukrainian people inspire us. We are grateful for the opportunity to support Ukraine with the resources we have at our disposal,» the post says.
