Rheinmetall Ukrainian Defense Industry LLC, a joint venture between Rheinmetall and UDI, Ukraine’s state-owned defense industry, officially opened its maintenance and repair center in western Ukraine on June 10, 2024.
Currently, the hub focuses on the maintenance and overhaul of Marder infantry fighting vehicles. Looking ahead, Leopard 1 and 2 main battle tanks, along with other German-made systems, will be serviced at additional locations across Ukraine.
Rheinmetall is leveraging existing Ukrainian infrastructure while also contributing specialized tools, spare parts, and other equipment to the hub. Notably, Ukrainian specialists underwent training at Rheinmetall facilities in Germany last year. These industrial mechanics, mechatronics engineers, and other personnel have since returned to Ukraine and are actively involved in maintaining and repairing critical systems.
The joint venture was announced in May 2023 and began initial operations in October 2023. It is jointly owned by Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, with a 51% stake, and UDI, which holds the remaining 49%.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet grew in importance as a research tool, he helped design the company's Forecast Intelligence Center and currently coordinates the EMarket Alert newsletters for clients. Richard also manages social media efforts, including two new blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, covering defense systems and international issues, and Flight Plan, which focuses on commercial aviation and space systems. For over 30 years, Richard has authored the Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International) services. The two books provide detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database that tracks all the contractors involved in the programs covered in the FI library. More recently he was appointed Manager, Information Services Group (ISG), a new unit that encompasses developing outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
