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 Majeti?, 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.
Vjekoslav Majeti?, who founded DOK-ING in 1991, referred to his words when the agreement was signed in March: “This step ensures that DOK-ING’s development, engineering excellence and core competencies will remain in Croatia. By joining forces with Rheinmetall, we can expand our production capacities, accelerate the development of next-generation unmanned specialised systems and strengthen our long-term competitiveness. This will reinforce Croatia’s role within the European defence and technology landscape”.
DOK-ING and Rheinmetall plan to develop a variety of solutions for combat and combat support operations. This includes a project for an unmanned armed support system (known as ‘Wingman’) to be used with battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles for reconnaissance and fire support purposes. These systems will also be used alongside existing Rheinmetall products, such as the Panther KF51 Main Battle Tank, the Büffel/Buffalo recovery tank, and the Kodiak armoured engineer vehicle.
Rheinmetall AG is an integrated technology group, with its headquarters in Düsseldorf. Founded in 1889, it is a leading international systems house for the defence industry and operates within land, air, sea and space domains. A focus on sustainability is an integral part of Rheinmetall’s strategy. With around 44,000 employees at about 180 sites worldwide, the company has been listed on the DAX 40 since March 2023 and generated sales of €9.8 billion in the 2024 financial year.
DOK-ING is a technology-driven company specialised in the development and manufacture of advanced unmanned systems designed for operations in hazardous and high-risk environments. Its core portfolio includes remotely operated and progressively autonomous platforms supporting humanitarian and military demining, military engineering operations, CBRN response, and the protection of critical infrastructure. The company’s solutions are based on modular and scalable architectures, enabling rapid mission-specific configuration for mine clearance, IED disposal, route clearance, firefighting, and other complex operational requirements. With a strong commitment to safety, reliability, and operational excellence, DOK-ING delivers field-proven systems that enhance force protection and reduce human exposure to hazardous situations, serving armed forces, civil protection authorities, and specialised security operators worldwide.
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