The first project in this partnership will focus on creating an unmanned system for mine scattering and counter-mobility operations, with a demonstrator expected by 2025. The planned joint venture aims to leverage its entirely European origins, emphasising regional value creation in the development of next-generation UGS solutions for various defence applications.
The collaboration will see the joint development and future marketing of the new DOK-ING Komodo platform. Rheinmetall will provide several capability modules and upgrade kits, including options for direct and indirect fire, mine-laying, reconnaissance sensors, and logistics, along with international market access and industrial support. This MoU, however, is still subject to regulatory approvals from the European Commission and relevant national competition authorities.
Dr Björn Bernhard, head of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Europe division, commented on the cooperation, stating, “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, addressing both the European market and other partner nations.”
Vjekoslav Majetić, DOK-ING’s founder and President of its supervisory board, highlighted the collaboration’s impact on the European defence landscape, calling it “a fundamental contribution to creating a common future.” According to Majetić, the partnership with Rheinmetall provides an unprecedented opportunity to develop cutting-edge unmanned combat and armoured breaching systems within Europe.
The joint venture’s future projects will include numerous combat and support solutions, such as an unmanned armed support vehicle, or “Wingman,” intended to assist battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles with reconnaissance and fire support. These innovations are designed to complement Rheinmetall’s established products, including the KF51 Panther, Büffel-3 armoured recovery vehicle, and Kodiak-3 armoured engineer vehicle.
DOK-ING, headquartered in Zagreb, is a market leader in robotic systems for challenging environments and has expertise in both civilian and military landmine clearance. This partnership with Rheinmetall aims to solidify Europe’s position in the unmanned systems sector, advancing new defence capabilities for a modernised and autonomous future.
