German defense manufacturer Rheinmetall has reached an agreement to purchase a majority 51 percent stake in Croatian UGV developer DOK-ING as part of its strategy to expand in autonomous battlefield technologies.
The deal was signed by Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems Europe chief executive Björn Bernhard and DOK-ING founder Vjekoslav Majetić, with Croatia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić present during the ceremony. Majetić will maintain a 49 percent ownership share, while the company will continue operations from Zagreb under its existing leadership. Financial terms were not disclosed and the transaction is pending regulatory clearance.
Through the partnership, the two companies intend to develop unmanned platforms capable of supporting a range of missions, including mine clearance, mine deployment, reconnaissance, and fire support operations. Among the first projects after the acquisition is the “Wingman,” an armed UGV designed to work alongside armored platforms such as main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles.
The system will leverage DOK-ING’s Komodo technology, a modular hybrid UGV capable of carrying payloads of more than 8.5 tonnes. Rheinmetall plans to add mission modules featuring direct and indirect fire capabilities, autonomous systems, and logistics equipment. The company also intends to set up a competence center in Croatia focused on autonomous tactical platforms. 🚀
