Rheinmetall and DOK-ING, a Croatian manufacturer of unmanned ground systems (UGS), have announced a strategic partnership to develop and market advanced UGS solutions. The partnership aims to create a joint venture that will lead the market in unmanned and remote-controlled combat and combat support vehicles.
The first joint project will focus on developing an unmanned system for mine-scattering and counter-mobility operations. A prototype demonstrator of this UGS is expected to be unveiled in 2025.
In addition, Rheinmetall and DOK-ING are gearing up to develop and market the new DOK-ING Komodo platform. Originally designed for hazardous nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) environments, the Komodo is a remote-controlled robotic system.
Rheinmetall will contribute various capability modules and upgrade kits to enhance the Komodo’s capabilities. These include options for direct and indirect fire, mine-laying, reconnaissance sensors, and logistics. Additionally, Rheinmetall will provide its global market access and industrial support to facilitate the Komodo’s widespread deployment.
Beyond the initial project, Rheinmetall and DOK-ING plan to collaborate on various combat and combat support solutions. This includes the development of an unmanned armed support vehicle, or “Wingman,” designed to accompany tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, providing reconnaissance and fire support capabilities. Rheinmetall aims to use this system with its various military vehicles such as the KF51 Panther, the Büffel-3 armored recovery vehicle and the Kodiak-3 armored engineer vehicle.
Formation of the joint venture is subject to regulatory approvals from the European Commission and relevant national competition authorities.
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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.
