Rheinmetall Acquires 51% Stake in Croatian Uncrewed‑Ground‑Systems Specialist DOK‑ING

Why It Matters

The acquisition gives Rheinmetall a European foothold in autonomous ground combat systems, accelerating mass‑production capabilities while elevating Croatia’s defence‑tech profile and market reach.

Key Takeaways

• Rheinmetall acquires 51% of DOK‑ING.
• DOK‑ING retains HQ, staff, leadership in Croatia.
• Komodo platform enables heavy‑duty uncrewed capabilities.
• New Rheinmetall competence centre to be based in Croatia.
• Uncrewed combat support market projected strong growth.

Pulse Analysis

The defence sector is undergoing a rapid transformation as militaries worldwide prioritize unmanned and autonomous platforms to reduce risk and increase operational tempo. Rheinmetall’s move to acquire a controlling stake in DOK‑ING reflects a strategic push to embed these capabilities within its existing product portfolio. By securing a European‑based specialist with a proven track record of delivering 500 platforms to over 40 nations, Rheinmetall can accelerate development cycles and leverage DOK‑ING’s engineering expertise without the need to build new capabilities from scratch.

At the heart of the partnership lies the Komodo platform, a modular, hybrid system capable of carrying more than 8.5 tonnes of payload. This heavy‑duty chassis will serve as the foundation for the "Wingman" project, an uncrewed armed support vehicle designed to operate alongside main battle tanks such as the KF51 and infantry fighting vehicles. Integration of Rheinmetall’s fire‑control modules, mine‑clearing kits, and logistics packages transforms Komodo into a versatile combat‑support asset, offering both direct and indirect fire options while maintaining autonomous navigation. The synergy promises faster fielding of next‑generation systems that can be scaled for mass production.

Beyond the technical advantages, the deal signals a broader shift in Europe’s defence supply chain toward collaborative, cross‑border development. Establishing a Rheinmetall competence centre in Croatia not only anchors the joint venture in a region with a strong robotics heritage but also creates high‑skill jobs and positions the country as a hub for autonomous military technology. With global procurement pipelines opening for uncrewed combat support solutions, the partnership is poised to capture a sizable share of a market projected to grow substantially over the next decade. Regulatory clearance remains the final hurdle, but the strategic alignment suggests a swift path to market.

Deal Summary

German defence group Rheinmetall AG announced the acquisition of a 51% majority stake in Croatia’s DOK‑ING, a specialist in uncrewed ground systems. The undisclosed‑price deal, pending regulatory approval, positions DOK‑ING for expanded production and integration with Rheinmetall’s defence portfolio.