Rheinmetall and DOK-ING have agreed to establish a joint venture, pending approval from the European Commission and other regulatory authorities.
The German automotive and arms manufacturer and the Croatian unmanned ground systems provider signed a memorandum of understanding in Berlin, under which they agreed to collaborate on the development of the new DOK-ING Komodo unmanned system for mine scattering and counter-mobility operations, with a system demonstrator expected to be presented in 2025.
As part of the MoU, the Komodo platform will use capability modules and upgrade kits from Rheinmetall for direct and indirect fire, mine laying, reconnaissance sensors and logistics.
The planned joint venture will also build other combat and combat support products, including the Wingman unmanned armed support vehicle designed to provide reconnaissance and fire support for battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles.
Bjorn Bernhard, head of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Europe division, said the partnership aims to set new standards for UGS production and application and meet customers’ mission needs in the European market and other partner nations.