Rheinmetall acquires majority stake in DOK-ING

German technology group Rheinmetall has finalized its acquisition of a majority stake in Croatian company DOK-ING. The company will now operate as Rheinmetall Unmanned Vehicles d.o.o., establishing a new competence center for heavy autonomous vehicles.

Rheinmetall acquired 51 percent of the company, with founder Vjekoslav Majetić retaining the remaining 49 percent. The purchase price was not disclosed. This strategic move aligns with Rheinmetall's plan to expand its portfolio in the field of unmanned systems, focusing on developing combat support solutions, particularly for mine clearing and laying operations.

The integration is expected to combine Rheinmetall's expertise in tactical vehicles with DOK-ING's capabilities in unmanned platforms. The combined activities will leverage DOK-ING's modular Komodo hybrid platform, which has a payload capacity exceeding 8.5 tons. Rheinmetall will contribute various functional modules and equipment packages, including weapon systems and logistics solutions.

DOK-ING holds a significant market position in remotely operated vehicles for mine clearance and operations in high-risk environments. Since its founding in 1991, the company has delivered approximately 500 platforms to customers in over 40 countries. Its solutions have proven effective in theaters such as Ukraine.

Rheinmetall and DOK-ING plan to develop a range of solutions for combat and combat support missions. This includes a project for an unmanned armed support system intended to work alongside main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles for reconnaissance and fire support.