Rheinmetall offers Croatia a long-term strategic industrial partnership
Croatia is poised to become a central hub in Europe for the development, production, and export of advanced defense technologies specializing in unmanned systems, ushering in new opportunities for domestic industry, exports, and research and development.
Today, Rheinmetall AG, a leading European technology and defense company, inaugurated Rheinmetall Unmanned Vehicles d.o.o., its joint venture with the Croatian firm DOK-ING. This marks the commencement of a long-term strategic industrial partnership with the Republic of Croatia.
The inauguration ceremony saw participation from various dignitaries, including Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of Croatia, Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, Vjekoslav Majetić, Founder of DOK-ING, and notable representatives from Croatian governmental bodies, diplomatic missions, industry, academia, and international partners.
The establishment of Rheinmetall Unmanned Vehicles is a key step in Rheinmetall’s vision for Croatia, which emphasizes the enhancement of the country’s industrial, technological, and manufacturing capabilities. This initiative aims to integrate local industries, research institutions, universities, and shipyards into Rheinmetall’s European and global programs, with the goal of positioning Croatia as a pivotal center for the development, production, and export of unmanned systems and advanced defense technologies.
Insights from Leadership
In a statement, Armin Papperger remarked, “We aim to build a broad industrial partnership with Croatia that will encompass local suppliers, the shipbuilding industry, and academia. Croatia possesses the expertise and talent essential for becoming a manufacturing and development hub for advanced defense technologies. Together, we aim to establish capabilities that will benefit Croatia, Europe, and our allies, while creating new export avenues for the Croatian industry.”
Rheinmetall Unmanned Vehicles symbolizes the initial yet crucial step toward implementing this vision. The joint venture will leverage DOK-ING’s 30-plus years of experience in unmanned systems combined with Rheinmetall’s global expertise in development, manufacturing, and marketing, establishing a new European center for next-generation unmanned ground platforms.
Croatian Expertise in a Global Context
Croatia’s contributions to research, development, and engineering will remain within the country, allowing experts to access global markets, advanced technology, serial production opportunities, and international development projects through the joint venture. The primary aim is to innovate a new generation of unmanned and autonomous ground platforms for military and security applications, encompassing combat support systems, combat engineering operations, mine clearance, and other high-risk missions, all building on DOK-ING’s Komodo platform alongside Rheinmetall’s advanced defense integration capabilities.
Foundations for Long-term Local Partnership
Rheinmetall’s strategy transcends the mere development of unmanned ground systems. The company has been expanding its presence in the naval sector and has significantly increased its cooperation with Croatia’s shipbuilding industry and academia in recent months, laying the groundwork for sustainable localization of production, innovative technology development, and enhanced integration of Croatian companies into European defense programs.
The approach of Rheinmetall emphasizes local value creation through the development of domestic suppliers, technology transfer, amplified research and development, job creation, and the establishment of sustainable manufacturing capacities with strong export potential.
This strategic partnership positions Croatia as a long-term industrial collaborator for Rheinmetall in Southeast Europe.
Endorsements from Croatian Leadership
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković congratulated Rheinmetall and DOK-ING, stating, “This partnership marks a significant leap in Croatia’s defense industry while nurturing advanced technology and domestic industrial capabilities. We are committed to evolving Croatia into a nation that develops, manufactures, and exports state-of-the-art technologies, contributing to Europe’s collective security.”
Prime Minister Plenković highlighted the importance of key development activities remaining in Croatia, introducing a Centre of Competence aimed at innovating autonomous and uncrewed ground systems. This initiative will empower Croatian engineers and researchers to actively engage in formulating cutting-edge technologies that will dictate the future of defense and security.
Rheinmetall’s efforts align with Croatia’s Industrial Development Plan 2027–2034, which seeks to bolster competitiveness, escalate exports, promote innovative practices, and facilitate digital integration within European supply chains. Furthermore, this collaboration enhances Europe’s defense industrial base, fortifies resilient supply chains, and ensures technological sovereignty.
A bilateral meeting occurred between Prime Minister Plenković and Rheinmetall’s CEO Armin Papperger to discuss advancing Rheinmetall’s initiatives in Croatia, future investments, and the integration of Croatian companies into international supply networks, as well as opportunities for further expanding manufacturing and research capabilities.
