(L-R) The CEO of German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall Armin Papperger, Hesse's State Premier Boris Rhein and Hesse's Economy Minister Kaweh Mansoori give a statement to present the "Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)", on August 27, 2026 at the airport of Kassel, western Germany. The state of Hesse and Rheinmetall aim to develop northern Hesse as a hub for innovation and defense and economic strength. (Photo by Sascha Schuermann / AFP via Getty Images)