13 Jan 2026 French Minister Benjamin Haddad Visited DOK-ING
Visit of the French Minister Delegate for Europe to DOK-ING Highlights the Strategic Importance of Advanced European Technologies
Zagreb, 12 January 2026 DOK-ING had the honour of hosting Benjamin Haddad, French Minister Delegate for Europe. The visit underscored the growing strategic relevance of DOK-ING’s advanced technological solutions at the highest levels of European policymaking, particularly in the areas of security, defence, and resilience.
The Minister was welcomed by:
- Vjekoslav Majetić, Founder of DOK-ING and President of the Supervisory Board
- Ana Majetić-Pešić, Member of the Supervisory Board, DOK-ING Group
- Ante Bakić, Chief Technology Officer (R&D), DOK-ING Security & Defence
- Konstantin Darmaniyan, Chief Technical Advisor, DOK-ING Security & Defence
- Danica Maljković, Chief Technology Officer of Indeloop, DOK-ING’s energy-focused subsidiary
Mr Haddad was accompanied by Fabien Fieschi, Ambassador of France to Croatia; Lieutenant Colonel Armand Dutheil de la Rochère, Military Attaché to Croatia; Andreja Metelko-Zgombić, Croatian State Secretary for European Affairs; along other members of the French delegation and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia.
During the visit, the delegation was presented with DOK-ING’s development journey: from its modest beginnings to its current position as a globally recognised leader in unmanned robotic systems. The presentation highlighted innovative solutions across the security and defence, and energy sectors, showcasing the company’s latest technological advancements.
“Croatia has a strategic partnership with France, and over the past few years, our bilateral trade has increased by 40%. I firmly believe it is essential to further strengthen cooperation between France and Croatia, as well as between the French and Croatian defence industries. I see tremendous opportunities with companies like DOK-ING. DOK-ING is at the forefront of innovation, particularly in areas such as demining, which will unfortunately remain a major challenge for Ukraine in the years ahead. Providing the level of security Ukraine needs is crucial, as today Ukraine is fighting not only for itself, but for all Europeans. This is precisely why I wanted to visit DOK-ING”, said Minister Haddad.
Danica Maljković introduced DOK-ING’s state-of-the-art waste-to-energy technology, while Konstantin Darmaniyan presented unmanned systems developed for military engineering, emergency response, counter-terrorism operations, and combat support.
Special attention was given to DOK-ING’s active involvement in supporting safety and security efforts in Ukraine. DOK-ING’s unmanned demining systems play a crucial role in clearing explosive remnants of war, significantly contributing to the recovery of affected territories and the safety of the civilian population. This aspect of the company’s work made a strong impression on the Minister, who emphasised that technological support to Ukraine directly contributes to the security of Europe as a whole.
A key highlight of the visit was a tour of DOK-ING’s production facility, where the delegation had the opportunity to see the company’s most advanced robotic systems firsthand. Among them was the MV-10 BISON, DOK-ING’s heavyweight robotic demining system, currently deployed in some of the most demanding UXO-clearance operations in the world, including Ukraine.
The delegation also viewed the MV-8 KOMODO, DOK-ING’s latest innovation, which has recently attracted significant attention from armed forces following its presentation with the MANGART 25AD integration for counter-UAS applications.
The Minister expressed admiration for DOK-ING’s development path, highlighting the company’s ability to combine decades of hands-on operational experience with cutting-edge scientific and engineering expertise. This approach has resulted in some of the most advanced technological solutions available today—solutions that enhance security, resilience, and operational effectiveness in the most challenging environments.
“I was very impressed by the level of innovation I saw here at DOK-ING, particularly in the areas of demining and firefighting. I wanted to better understand your work, explore the potential for future cooperation, and discuss how, together, we can help build a strong European strategic identity and an autonomous European defence industry. This is the reason I am here today,” Mr Haddad added.
DOK-ING was deeply honoured by the visit of the French Minister Delegate for Europe and sincerely appreciates his decision to include the company in his official programme. The visit further reinforces the importance of unity and close coordination within Europe’s defence and security ecosystem, ensuring that advanced technological solutions developed by DOK-ING actively contribute to safeguarding European sovereignty, security, and the safety of its citizens amid today’s complex challenges.
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DOK-ING is a global leader in heavy-duty robotic systems, specialising in military engineering, CBRNe, counterterrorism, emergency response, and underground mining. Headquartered in Zagreb, Croatia, DOK-ING operates across more than 40 countries, delivering innovative, autonomous solutions to enhance operational safety and efficiency. By integrating cutting-edge technology with real-world applications, DOK-ING remains at the forefront of industry advancements, safeguarding lives and critical infrastructure worldwide.
