Germany’s Rheinmetall and Ukraine’s Ukroboronprom forge ties with initial focus on armoured vehicles
Rheinmetall has previously floated the idea of building KF-51 Panther tanks in Ukraine. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
Germany’s Rheinmetall and Ukraine’s state-owned Ukroboronprom have entered a strategic cooperation agreement to strengthen Kyiv’s defence industry.
The duo will work step by step towards creating joint defence technology capabilities based in Ukraine.
The agreement will see Ukraine benefit from technology transfers, the creation of additional capabilities in the country and deliveries of equipment in the short term from Germany.
A joint venture is expected to be operational from mid-July of this year.
Related Articles
Ukroboronprom’s new radar station has passed state tests
Advanced Panther tanks could be supplied to Ukraine
How Ukraine’s UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles can disrupt Russian forces
Rheinmetall chief executive Armin Papperger said meeting Ukraine’s urgent needs as quickly as possible was of ‘central importance’ to the German defence company.
Maintenance and repair of vehicles transferred to Ukraine under the German ‘Ringtausch’ equipment exchange and direct supplies to Ukraine is a first step for the effort.
Later, the two companies plan to produce Rheinmetall products in Ukraine jointly.
Papperger had previously discussed the possibility of building KF51 Panther main battle tanks in Ukraine.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces]()
Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces
Canada plans to acquire at least 120 uncrewed aerial systems through two competitions with combined funding ceilings of C$32 million.
-
![AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs]()
AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs
Rather than developing entirely new weapons, defence companies are looking to build on existing weapons and systems to deliver greater capability, control costs and accelerate fielding.
-
![AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality]()
AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality
With a production rate of more than 10 million vehicles annually, the US commercial car and vehicle manufacturing base is second only to China. Defence companies are looking at how the vehicles, technology and manufacturing capability can support programmes.
