German defence giant Rheinmetall takes majority stake in Croatia’s Dok-Ing

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

ZAGREB, 5 March 2026 (Hina) – German technology and defence group Rheinmetall has acquired a majority stake in Croatian robotics company Dok-Ing, marking a significant step for Croatia’s defence industry and strengthening European defence cooperation.

The agreement, announced at a joint press conference in Zagreb on Wednesday, gives Rheinmetall a 51% share in Dok-Ing, while the Croatian company retains 49% ownership.

The purchase agreement was signed in the presence of Croatian Defence Minister Ivan Anušić, although the financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Davor Petek, member of the Dok-Ing management board, said that the change in ownership would not affect the company’s leadership or workforce.

“There will be no changes in management or employees, except for growth in the near future,” Petek said.

He added that production is expected to increase significantly, with plans to expand both manufacturing capacity and the number of employees. He stressed that operations will remain in Croatia, with no relocation from Zagreb and no reduction in production.

Focus on unmanned combat support systems

Through the partnership, Rheinmetall and Dok-Ing plan to develop a wide range of solutions for combat and combat-support operations.

One of the key projects is an unmanned armed support system known as “Wingman”, designed to operate alongside battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. The system will perform reconnaissance missions and provide fire support.

These systems will be integrated with Rheinmetall’s existing military platforms, including the Panther KF51 main battle tank, the Büffel/Buffalo armoured recovery vehicle, and the Kodiak armoured engineering vehicle.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

Development will be based on Dok-Ing’s new Komodo heavy platform, which has a payload capacity of more than 8.5 tonnes.

Rheinmetall will contribute advanced capability modules and equipment kits, including systems for direct and indirect fire, mine clearance and mine laying, autonomous operations and logistics.

Rheinmetall’s Executive Director of Vehicle Systems Europe, Björn Bernhard, said the partnership followed lengthy negotiations and represents an important strategic step for the German company.

By combining Rheinmetall’s expertise in tactical vehicles with Dok-Ing’s capabilities in unmanned systems, he said the companies expect to create a strong market position with significant growth potential.

Bernhard also confirmed that Rheinmetall will establish a competence centre in Croatia for unmanned and autonomous military systems, strengthening the company’s presence in an EU and NATO member state.

“Our aim is to take a leading market position in the segment of unmanned combat support and armoured engineering systems,” he said.

Dok-Ing founder Vjekoslav Majetić said the partnership with a major European defence company opens the door to new opportunities on the global stage.

“We have proven with our technologies that we care about the safety of our citizens,” Majetić said, noting that Dok-Ing’s machines played an important role in demining Croatia after the war.

Minister Anušić described the agreement as a confirmation of the quality and strength of Croatia’s defence industry, highlighting that cooperation with larger international partners allows domestic companies to expand their capabilities.

“Dok-Ing has grown beyond what it has done so far and is now joining forces with a powerful global company to develop new projects,” Anušić said.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

He also confirmed that new products developed under the partnership will be produced in Croatia.

Dok-Ing has built a strong international reputation for unmanned systems used in demining and high-risk environments in both civilian and military sectors.

Since its founding, the company has delivered around 500 robotic platforms to customers in more than 40 countries. Its demining systems have also been widely used in Ukraine, where they have proven highly effective.

Rheinmetall, headquartered in Düsseldorf and founded in 1889, is one of the world’s leading defence technology companies, operating across land, air, sea and space domains. The group employs around 44,000 people at roughly 180 locations worldwide and generated €9.8 billion in revenue in 2024.