Rheinmetall has signed a contract in Zagreb, Croatia to acquire a 51% stake in Croatian uncrewed ground systems company DOK-ING.
DOK-ING will stay in Zagreb, with its current management remaining in place under the agreement with Rheinmetall.
Rheinmetall has signed a contract in Zagreb, Croatia to acquire a 51% stake in Croatian uncrewed ground systems company DOK-ING, in a move to expand its business in uncrewed systems.
The transaction remains subject to approval by the relevant regulatory authorities. Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed by the two sides.
DOK-ING founder Vjekoslav Majetić, who has so far been the sole owner, will keep the remaining 49% shareholding.
After the deal closes, the company will continue to operate from its headquarters in Zagreb, and the current management team will stay in place.
The contract was signed by Majetić and Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Europe division CEO Dr Björn Bernhard in the presence of Croatia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Ivan Anušić.
Dr Björn Bernhard said: “The combination of Rheinmetall’s expertise in tactical vehicles and DOK-ING’s capabilities in uncrewed systems will create a strong market position for us with considerable potential for the future. At the same time, we are establishing a foothold in Croatia, being an EU and NATO member, and we will be gaining access to this highly interesting customer country”.
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DOK-ING develops uncrewed solutions for mine clearance and for use in hazardous and high-risk environments in both military and civil settings.
Since its inception in 1991, the company has delivered about 500 platforms to customers in more than 40 countries. Its mine clearance systems are currently in use in Ukraine.
The deal follows a partnership agreement the two companies reached in October 2024. That cooperation initially focused on the joint development of uncrewed ground systems for mobility, counter mobility, including mine clearing and mine laying, and combat support operations.
The work is based on DOK-ING’s Komodo platform, a modular heavy-duty hybrid uncrewed system with a payload capacity of more than 8.5 tonnes.
Under the new ownership structure, Rheinmetall and DOK-ING plan to develop systems for combat and combat support missions. These include an uncrewed armed support system known as Wingman, intended for use with battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles for reconnaissance and fire support.
The companies also plan to use these systems alongside Rheinmetall products including the Panther KF51 Main Battle Tank, the Büffel/Buffalo recovery tank and the Kodiak armoured engineer vehicle.
Vjekoslav Majetić said: “By joining forces with Rheinmetall, we are creating the conditions to expand production capacity, accelerate the development of next-generation uncrewed specialised systems, and strengthen our long-term competitiveness. This strategic step positions DOK-ING for sustainable growth and reinforces Croatia’s role within the European defence and technology landscape.”
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