The Hessian State Government and Rheinmetall intend to jointly further develop North Hesse as an innovation and defence hub and to consolidate its economic position. Plans for a 'Defence Hub North Hesse' were presented by Minister President Boris Rhein, Minister of Economic Affairs Kaweh Mansoori, and Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, at Kassel Airport on 27 August 2026. As part of this presentation, a corresponding Memorandum of Understanding was signed, formalising the cooperation. Rheinmetall will establish a new logistics and technology centre in Calden, in direct proximity to Kassel Airport, with this project being supported by the State of Hesse. Furthermore, the expansion of the existing site in Kassel and the development of new technologies on site are also planned.
The total investment volume for this project amounts to a three-digit million-euro sum. The planned logistics centre will cover a usable area of over 30,000 square metres, making it one of the group's most significant infrastructure investments in Germany. Commissioning of the facility is planned for the end of 2027. This development will establish a defence hub in North Hesse, whose importance extends far beyond the regional level and is expected to generate new jobs with partners and suppliers. The new infrastructure is intended to significantly increase the company's efficiency and ensure the effective handling of national and international orders.
The creation of this modern infrastructure aims for shorter lead times, optimised supply chains, and increased delivery quality, which are considered crucial given the growing demand for Rheinmetall products. Rheinmetall also plans to establish a drone test centre on the new site in Calden. The infrastructural advantages of the Kassel Airport location and the prevailing conditions there are to be used for the further development and testing of drone technologies. Kassel Airport, unlike other airports, offers specific opportunities for drone testing. The planned Hessian Drone Competence Centre at the airport represents an additional location advantage for Rheinmetall.
Minister President Boris Rhein emphasised the multi-million-euro investment as a strong signal for North Hesse as an innovation and defence location. He explained that the Defence Hub would combine Kassel's industrial strength with the strategic infrastructure of Kassel Airport, thus ensuring the airport's continued existence as a central component of North Hesse's transport infrastructure. The airport serves general aviation and is a commercial site. In the future, it is also to be more firmly established as a military hub, for Bundeswehr training flights, and for the research and testing of new drone technologies.
Minister of Economic Affairs Kaweh Mansoori referred to the importance of North Hesse as an economic location for the state, Germany, and Europe. He highlighted that an effective state must ensure security and, for this, requires a strong, innovative, and resilient economy. Mansoori stressed that North Hesse, with its industrial strength, excellent research, innovative companies, and highly qualified employees, offers the best conditions to strengthen Germany's and Europe's capacity to act, whilst simultaneously securing added value in the region.
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, described the investment as a strategic measure with regard to future orders in the field of military vehicles. He explained that the company is preparing for the future and strengthening its performance in the interest of its customers. The new logistics centre is a central element of the growth strategy in the area of tactical vehicles, particularly for the Bundeswehr. Björn Bernhard, CEO of Rheinmetall Division Vehicle Systems, emphasised that with the new technology, logistics, and support centre in Calden, a new hub will be created in the heart of the Federal Republic. He stressed that this is a clear signal for the future viability of the North Hesse location and not only creates the conditions for more efficient order processing but also takes responsibility for the region.
The choice of location at Kassel Airport followed a detailed analysis of possible alternatives. Decisive factors included good transport links, proximity to the existing Rheinmetall plant in the Mittelfeld industrial park in Kassel, and the availability of space for a large-scale facility. A key objective of the investment is also a noticeable reduction in factory traffic in the area of the existing Rheinmetall plant in northern Kassel. The relocation of logistical processes and transport flows to the new centre at Kassel Airport is intended to ease lorry and delivery traffic.
