According to The Independent - Main, Armin Papperger described Ukrainian drone development as akin to playing 'with Lego' and claimed the drones are being built by 'Ukrainian housewives'. Ukraine has quickly grown into one of the world's leading producers of cutting-edge, battle-tested drone interceptors that are cheap and effective. After Papperger's comments appeared, Ukrainians took to social media to berate him under the hashtag #MadeByHousewives.
Ukrainian officials defended the country's drone capabilities and workforce. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko praised the role of Ukrainian women in the effort to thwart Russia's all-out invasion of February 2022. Zelenskyy adviser Alexander Kamyshin said he regularly visits military manufacturing plants and sees men and women working side by side.
They have 3D printers in the kitchen, and they produce parts for drones. This is not innovation.
Rheinmetall responded on X, saying that the company has 'the utmost respect' for Ukrainian people fighting Russia. It remains unclear what specific drone technology or production methods Papperger was referring to in his criticism, and whether Rheinmetall's response was an apology, clarification, or general statement of respect. The full context or tone of Papperger's original comments in The Atlantic magazine also remains unspecified.
If every Ukrainian housewife can really produce drones, then every Ukrainian housewife could also be the CEO of Rheinmetall. I congratulate our defense-industrial complex on being at such a high level.
Ukrainian women are indeed an essential part of Ukraine's war effort and of Europe's security. They have stepped with courage into many areas once seen as male-dominated, bringing energy, discipline, and determination. And they are doing this while raising our next generation and caring for their families under wartime pressures.
Every single woman and man in (Ukraine) is making an immeasurable contribution. The innovative strength and the fighting spirit of the Ukrainian people are an inspiration to us.