Wave of outrage

Defense Giant Mocks Kyiv with “Housewives” Remark

In its fight against Russia, Ukraine has developed inexpensive interceptor drones such as the “P1-Sun.”(Bild: AFP/Krone KREATIV)

Since the start of the war, Ukraine has been using cheap drones with tremendous efficiency against Russian attackers. The head of the arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has now mocked the technology, claiming the drones are “made by housewives with 3D printers.” The remark sparked outrage even outside Ukraine, and the company has now had to backtrack...

The CEO of the defense contractor Rheinmetall recently leveled sharp criticism at Ukrainian drone manufacturers. In an interview with the U.S. magazine “The Atlantic,” Armin Papperger responded to a question about the development of drone technology in Ukraine by saying it was “like playing with Lego.”

“They have 3D printers in the kitchen, and they’re making drone parts. That’s not innovation.”

Armin Pappberger, Rheinmetall-Chef

“Housewife” technology
In addition, the CEO of the defense contractor compared major Ukrainian drone manufacturers to “housewives”: “They have 3D printers in the kitchen, and they’re making drone parts. That’s not innovation.” Papperger criticized that what is happening in Ukraine cannot be compared to the technology of Rheinmetall or other defense contractors.

In its fight against Russia, Ukraine has developed cheap interceptor drones such as the “P1-Sun.”(Bild: AFP/Krone KREATIV)

Comments caused a stir
The 63-year-old’s statement sparked a wave of outrage. Under the hashtag “MadeByHousewives,” there are now numerous memes and references to the effectiveness of Ukrainian drones. For example, Richard Woodruff, a British volunteer who has been supporting Ukraine since 2022, posted a photo on X of himself standing in front of dozens of piled-up drones. He wrote mockingly that he had only just learned today that he was “a Ukrainian housewife.”

“Lego drones destroyed over 11,000 Russian tanks”
“Rheinmetall says our Lego drones are made by housewives in their kitchens. Nice. Meanwhile, our Lego drones have destroyed more than 11,000 Russian tanks,” wrote Alexander Kamyshin, an advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a post on Saturday on the X platform.

Zelenskyy with a sharp retort
Zelenskyy himself countered Papperger’s statement: “If every Ukrainian housewife can build drones, then every housewife can also be the CEO of Rheinmetall.” The president emphasized that Ukraine proves the effectiveness of its technologies every day—on the front lines, in the air, and on the water. According to him, one should compete with results, not statements. The Ukrainian defense industry occupies an important place in the global market, he added.

“Housewife” drones are inflicting heavy damage on Russia
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has continuously refined its drones. In particular, unmanned aerial vehicles—often off-the-shelf small drones equipped with explosives—are inflicting heavy losses on Russian forces.

In addition, the Ukrainian defense industry is increasingly building its own combat drones. Time and again, Ukrainian forces succeed in taking out heavy military equipment belonging to the Russian army—worth several million euros—using inexpensive drones. Just last night, from Sunday into Monday, Ukraine launched a fierce attack against Russia. The Russian Ministry of Defense recorded 102 drones over the country’s territory. 

Military expert warns against arrogance
German military expert Nico Lange wrote on X: “The arrogance of some in the Bundeswehr, industry, and politics toward the new economy of war involving massive numbers of cheap drones and missiles could still become a serious security risk for us.”

Rheinmetall backtracks
The defense contractor is engaging in damage control. On Sunday, Rheinmetall posted on X expressing its respect for the “immense efforts of the Ukrainians in defending their country against the Russian attack.” The post continues: “Every woman and every man in Ukraine is making an invaluable contribution. Above all, Ukraine deserves respect for how it fights highly effectively with limited resources. The innovative strength and fighting spirit of the Ukrainians are an inspiration to us. We are grateful to be able to support Ukraine with our resources.”

Quantity over quality is currently ensuring Ukraine’s survival.(Bild: AFP/ROMAN PILIPEY)

Ukraine’s “housewife” warfare is, in some respects, far superior to that of NATO. Recent joint exercises have demonstrated this. During NATO maneuvers last year, the Ukrainian army outclassed the alliance’s troops and exposed their weaknesses in modern warfare. In Portugal and Estonia, the battle-hardened Ukrainians showed that NATO is barely prepared for drone attacks.

During the “Repmus” and “Dynamic Messenger” exercises off the coast of Portugal, naval units led by soldiers from Kyiv won five scenarios. The key to success was the “Magura” sea drones, which have already sunk Russian warships in the Black Sea. During a simulated attack, so many hits were scored against a frigate that it would have sunk in a real-life scenario. There was also a bitter defeat during the “Hedgehog” exercise in Estonia. There, the Ukrainian 412th Nemesis Brigade took out 17 NATO vehicles in just one day.