Rheinmetall chairman Armin Papperger said the factory's production line would start in three months. He added that Rheinmetall is moving forward with other projects in Hungary, too, such as a munitions plant. 

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said armies are built "preparing for the worst, but in reality paving the way for a better future, too." He added that a lesson was to be learned from Bismarck, who said the stronger we are, the smaller the chance of war. 

Orbán conceded that political relations with Germany are "complicated," but said economic ties are "outstanding." The HUF 60 billion factory in Zalaegerszeg was built by a joint venture established by Rheinmetall and the state of Hungary.