29 Oct 2024 Strategic cooperation: DOK-ING and the German concern Rheinmetall are establishing a joint venture, the goal is to advance the European defence industry
Berlin, October 28, 2024. – DOK-ING and Rheinmetall signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) on October 28th 2024. to establish a joint venture. A special feature of this partnership is the entirely European origin and value creation, which should result in various unmanned ground systems (UGS).
The planned joint venture is foreseen to become the market leader in the segment of unmanned and remote-controlled combat and combat support vehicles. The first goal of the partnership is to jointly develop an unmanned system for mine scattering and counter-mobility operations. A corresponding system demonstrator is to be presented in 2025.
“DOK-ING is a hub for innovation, and our mission from the very foundation of the company to this day has been to push the world towards new solutions, technologies and practices. We have the potential to develop projects on the global market through cooperation with the largest European companies. The realization of the DOK-ING’s and Rheinmetall’s strategic partnership is not only the beginning of the cooperation of our two companies – it is a symbol of our joint commitment to a safe and stable future in Europe. This is just the first step in what I am confident will grow into a dynamic partnership. Our goal is to join forces to create a system for a secure Europe and exchange knowledge that guarantees innovation and the best outcomes,” commented Vjekoslav Majetić, founder and chairman of the DOK-ING supervisory board, noting that he sees the joint venture with Rheinmetall as a fundamental contribution creating a common future.
The signing of the MoU in the Croatian Embassy in Berlin took place in the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Republic of Croatia Ivan Anušić and the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid.
“This partnership represents a significant step forward for our defence cooperation and will improve the EU defence industry and its capabilities. This is great news for the Croatian military industry as it has great potential to take a leading position in the unmanned systems market. The Croatian Government and the Ministry of Defence are focused on strengthening and supporting the Croatian military and defence industry, especially considering the damaged global security architecture, therefore cooperation like this has a positive effect on the development of our military capabilities and our defence readiness,” commented Minister Anušić.
By entering a strategic partnership with Rheinmetall, DOK-ING will expand its portfolio of unmanned robotic systems. The integration of Rheinmetall’s modules on DOK-ING’s platforms will expand the range of DOK-ING’s systems into the combat segment as well as the combat support segment.
As Dr Björn Bernhard, head of the Vehicle Systems Europe division, explains: “DOK-ING and Rheinmetall represent two leading European suppliers in their field, joining forces to carry out challenging projects. Together, we aim to set new standards and pave the way for the series production and application of UGSs. We are addressing the European market as well as other partner nations.”
The agreement provides for joint development and subsequent marketing of the new versions of DOK-ING Komodo platform. Rheinmetall AG is contributing various capability modules/upgrade kits (e.g. for direct and indirect fire, mine-laying, reconnaissance sensors, logistics, etc.), as well as its international market access and industrial capacities.
Within the framework of the future cooperation, numerous combat and combat support solutions will be developed, including a joint project for an unmanned armed support vehicle (known as a Wingman). These shall be used in combination with already known classic Rheinmetall products, such as the KF51 Panther, the Büffel-3 armoured recovery vehicle and the Kodiak-3 armoured engineer vehicle.
The implementation of the signed MoU is subject to the prior approval of the relevant regulatory authorities, including the European Commission and the respective national competition authorities.
ABOUT RHEINMETALL
Rheinmetall AG, based in Düsseldorf, is an integrated technology group. Founded in 1889, the company is a leading international system supplier to the defence industry, and a driver of forward-looking technological and industrial innovations on the civilian market. A focus on sustainability is an integral part of the Rheinmetall strategy. With around 30,000 employees at 174 sites worldwide, the company, which has been listed on the DAX40 since March 2023, generated sales of €7.2bn in the fiscal year of 2023.
ABOUT DOK-ING
DOK-ING is an innovative company, whose key value is knowledge, and the main goal is to develop new technologies under the motto “Don’t send a man to do a machine’s job”.
The company has gained its previous international reputation as the world’s leading supplier of advanced robotic systems intended for military engineering, demining, firefighting and protection of critical infrastructure, and counterterrorism. The specificity of DOK-ING is its commitment to innovation, security and contribution to improving living conditions in post-conflict areas and areas affected by natural disasters. DOK-ING is the leader on the international market and has more than 80% market share in more than 40 countries of the world.
DOK-ING’s headquarters are in Zagreb, but in addition to the recently opened branch in Kyiv, Ukraine, the company is also present in North America, Africa and Asia.
