Rheinmetall to build defence logistics and drone hub at Kassel Airport

Rheinmetall is building a new logistics and technology centre at Kassel Airport, according to the company. The project, called the North Hesse Defence Hub, is being developed jointly with the German state of Hesse.

The planned facility in Calden is expected to cover more than 30,000 square metres and start operations by the end of 2027. Investment in the site is expected to reach the hundreds of millions of euros, the company said.

Alongside the logistics centre, Rheinmetall intends to build a drone testing centre at the location. A separate training centre of about 1,200 square metres is also planned.

Hesse's state government is providing financial support for the project. Rheinmetall additionally plans to expand its existing plant in Kassel and develop new technologies there.

According to the company, shifting logistics operations to Calden is also meant to reduce truck traffic around the Kassel plant.