Image: Rheinmetall
German defence giant Rheinmetall has acquired a majority stake in Croatian uncrewed ground systems specialist DOK-ING, signalling a major push into autonomous military platforms.
Rheinmetall signed a contract in Zagreb to purchase 51% of DOK-ING, a Croatian company with over three decades of expertise in remotely operated systems for mine clearance and hazardous-environment operations. Founder Vjekoslav Majetić retains the remaining 49%. The purchase price remains undisclosed. The deal is pending regulatory approval.
The signing took place in the presence of Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić — a detail underscoring the strategic significance Zagreb attaches to the partnership.
Expanding the Unmanned Frontier
DOK-ING brings substantial pedigree to the arrangement. Since its founding in 1991, the company has delivered roughly 500 platforms to customers across more than 40 countries. Its mine clearance systems are currently deployed in Ukraine, where demand for such capabilities has intensified sharply since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
The acquisition builds on a partnership the two companies announced in October 2024. That agreement initially focused on joint development of uncrewed ground systems for mobility, mine-clearing and -laying, and combat support roles.
Central to the joint effort is DOK-ING’s newly developed Komodo — a modular, heavy-duty hybrid uncrewed platform capable of carrying payloads exceeding 8.5 tonnes. Rheinmetall will contribute capability modules covering direct and indirect fire, mine operations, autonomous functionality, and logistics support.
A European Value Chain
Rheinmetall has been explicit about one aspect of the deal: the partnership is entirely European in origin and value creation. That framing carries weight as European governments race to reduce defence dependencies and reinforce domestic industrial capacity.
“The combination of Rheinmetall’s expertise in tactical vehicles and DOK-ING’s capabilities in uncrewed systems will create a strong market position,” said Dr Björn Bernhard, CEO of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Europe division. He added that the acquisition also establishes a presence in Croatia — an EU and NATO member — opening access to that customer base directly.
Bernhard described Croatia as the future home of Rheinmetall’s competence centre for autonomous military systems. “We see the potential for significant growth in this market,” he said, citing ongoing and planned procurement projects in numerous countries.
‘Wingman’ Systems and Integration With Existing Platforms
Among the planned developments is an uncrewed armed support system — commonly referred to in defence circles as a ‘Wingman’ — designed to operate alongside main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. The system would provide reconnaissance and fire support capabilities. Rheinmetall intends to integrate these platforms with existing products, including the Panther KF51 main battle tank, the Büffel/Buffalo recovery tank, and the Kodiak armoured engineer vehicle.
For DOK-ING, the deal represents a necessary step to scale. Majetić said the company had reached a stage where expansion required “a partner with substantial industrial capacity, system integration expertise and global market access.” He emphasised that DOK-ING’s engineering core would remain in Croatia.
Industry Context
Rheinmetall — headquartered in Düsseldorf and listed on Germany’s DAX 40 since 2023 — recorded €9.8 billion in sales in 2024. The company employs around 44,000 people across approximately 180 sites. The DOK-ING acquisition fits a broader pattern of European prime contractors moving aggressively into uncrewed and autonomous systems as NATO members increase defence spending.
Source: Rheinmetall AG press release
