Rheinmetall and Ukraine sign deal to expand strategic cooperation

Rheinmetall and Ukraine, represented by the Minister of Strategic Industries, Oleksandr Kamyshin, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand their strategic cooperation during the “Ukraine Recovery Conference” in Berlin. The agreement aims to identify and develop further areas for closer cooperation between the Ukrainian defense industry and the Düsseldorf-based technology group. Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, said: “With this agreement we confirm our intention to continue our cooperation in the coming years and create a corresponding framework. Specifically, we are already in talks to establish a joint venture for the production of artillery ammunition in Ukraine. We also want to hand over the first Lynx infantry fighting vehicles to the country this year and start manufacturing these systems in Ukraine in the near future.” Oleksandr Kamyshin, Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine: “The Ukrainian defence industry has been in decline for decades. But today it is reviving and making a significant contribution to Ukraine’s economic recovery – also thanks to partners like Rheinmetall. We are very grateful for your support and your confidence in the Ukrainian defence industry and our gunsmiths. And, of course, we will share the lessons we have learned with our partners. One day Ukraine will join the EU and NATO – and both organisations will have a strong partner with a strong defence industry that does not compete but complements. Let’s build the Arsenal of the free world together.” In addition to possible direct deliveries by Rheinmetall, the (re)industrialisation of national manufacturing know-how is also intended to make a significant contribution to Ukraine’s sustainable defence capability as part of the cooperation. A framework agreement yet to be concluded for the delivery of several hundred Lynx combat vehicles to Ukraine would also include training, maintenance and repair services. In February 2024, the two partners had already declared their intention to manufacture a six-digit number of 155mm rounds, including the corresponding propelling charges, per year in a “Ukrainian center of excellence for ammunition”. Rheinmetall is to hold 51% of the shares in the joint venture, with the Ukrainian partner holding 49%. Opening of the maintenance and repair centre The opening of the Rheinmetall Ukrainian Defense Industry LLC maintenance and repair centre in western Ukraine took place on 10 June. On this occasion, the Ukrainian Minister of Strategic Industries, Oleksandr Kamyshin, visited the site there: “We strive to develop our production capabilities together with our allies and believe that the Ukrainian defence industry is a part of the European defence industry, which strengthens the system of collective security of the European Union. Therefore, the opening of a joint service center with Rheinmetall is not only a step towards the Victory of Ukraine, but also an important stage in the construction of the arsenal of the Free World.” Marder infantry fighting vehicles are already being maintened and 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 is utilising existing local infrastructure, but has also brought special tools, spare parts and other equipment to the hub. Last year, Ukrainian specialists were trained at Rheinmetall sites in Germany in the repair of combat vehicles, including industrial mechanics and mechatronics engineers, for example. These personnel then returned to Ukraine and worked there on the maintenance and repair of the relevant systems. The joint venture Rheinmetall Ukrainian Defense Industry LLC was founded in October 2023. The announcement was made at the German-Ukrainian Economic Forum in Berlin, in the presence of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]