German–Ukrainian vehicle support factory officially opens in Ukraine
A Ukrainian Air Assault Force Marder 1A3, the type of vehicle to be supported in the new factory. (Photo: Ukrainian Air Assault Forces)
Ukrainian specialists were trained at Rheinmetall sites in Germany last year in the repair of combat vehicles, including industrial mechanics and mechatronics engineers.
Ukraine’s new Rheinmetall Ukrainian Defense Industry LLC vehicle maintenance and repair factory was officially opened on 10 June after being founded in October 2023.
Marder infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) are already being overhauled at the hub. In the future, Leopard 1 and Leopard 2 main battle tanks and other German-made systems will also be repaired at other locations in Ukraine.
Rheinmetall based the factory on local infrastructure but brought in special tools, spare parts and other equipment to the hub. Ukrainian specialists were trained at Rheinmetall sites in Germany in 2023 in the repair of combat vehicles before returning to Ukraine and working there on the maintenance and repair of the relevant systems.
Dmytro Klimenkov, deputy minister of defence of Ukraine, said: “The opening of the first joint service centre with Rheinmetall in Ukraine is crucial for strengthening our defence capabilities.
“This facility will allow us to ensure quick repairs and maintenance of German equipment directly on Ukrainian soil, significantly enhancing the efficiency of our armed forces…which enable us to [better] integrate into the European collective security system.”
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![How joint ventures are expanding Rheinmetall's munitions portfolio (video)]()
How joint ventures are expanding Rheinmetall's munitions portfolio (video)
Roman Köhne, CEO of Rheinmetall's Weapon and Ammunition Division, discusses the company's announcements at Eurosatory 2026, including developments in defence technology, precision systems, industrial partnerships and future capability programmes.
-
![Canada reveals first requirements for future long-range air-to-air missile]()
Canada reveals first requirements for future long-range air-to-air missile
Exclusive: Ottawa says its future NORAD interceptor must be highly stealthy, resistant to jamming and capable of engaging threats at very long range, while leaving the competition open to domestic and international suppliers.
-
![July land forces roundup: UK outlines spending with details unveiled on Eurosatory vehicles]()
July land forces roundup: UK outlines spending with details unveiled on Eurosatory vehicles
Analysis of the long-awaited UK Defence Investment Plan, which was finally released on 30 June, revealed scant investment in platform replacement for the British Army. The bright spot in July, however, was a multibillion-dollar contract awarded for the British Army’s Collective Training System.
