Rheinmetall acquires majority stake in DOK-ING

The Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall has successfully completed the acquisition of a majority stake in Croatia-based DOK-ING and is thus expanding its portfolio as planned through an acquisition in the field of unmanned vehicles. The company will operate under the name “Rheinmetall Unmanned Vehicles d.o.o.”. In March this year, Rheinmetall signed an agreement in Zagreb to acquire a majority stake in Croatian innovation hub specialized in the field of unmanned vehicles DOK-ING. Rheinmetall is acquiring 51 per cent of the company, while the company’s founder and previous sole owner, Vjekoslav Majetić, will retain the 49 per cent. The strategic partners agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

Combining Rheinmetall’s expertise in tactical vehicles with DOK-ING’s capabilities in unmanned vehicles creates a strong base of competence with considerable future potential. These joint activities are based on DOK-ING’s newly developed Komodo, a modular heavy-duty hybrid platform with a payload capacity of more than 8.5 tonnes. Rheinmetall is contributing various functional modules and equipment kits, including systems for direct and indirect fire, mine clearing and laying operations, reconnaissance sensors and logistics. By joining forces, the two leading European suppliers aim to realise ambitious projects, set new standards and pave the way for unmanned ground systems to be ready for series production and deployment.

“We can now establish our competence centre in Croatia in the field of unmanned and autonomous vehicles for military purposes. With this new setup, we aim to achieve a strong market position in the segment of unmanned combat and armoured support vehicles. We see growth potential in this future market, and, at the same time, we are establishing a foothold in Croatia, an EU and NATO partner country and a highly attractive customer market”, Dr Björn Bernhard, CEO of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Europe division, reiterated upon receiving regulatory approval.

DOK-ING holds a strong market position in the field of land based unmanned mine clearance and operations in high-risk environments. Since its foundation, the company has delivered around 500 platforms to customers in over 40 countries. At present, DOK-ING’s mine-clearance solutions are proving to be highly effective in operation, particularly in the Ukraine.

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