German defense company Rheinmetall has taken a significant step toward expanding its unmanned ground systems portfolio by signing an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Croatian robotics and unmanned systems manufacturer DOK-ING. The contract was signed in Zagreb and will see Rheinmetall purchase 51% of the company. However, the deal is still subject to approval from relevant regulatory authorities. Financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed by either party.

DOK-ING founder Vjekoslav Majetić, who has been the sole owner of the company since its establishment in 1991, will retain the remaining 49% of the shares. Following the completion of the transaction, the company will continue operating from its headquarters in Zagreb, Croatia. Importantly, the current management team will remain in place to ensure operational continuity and maintain the company’s technological development strategy.

The agreement was signed by Vjekoslav Majetić and Dr. Björn Bernhard, CEO of Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems Europe, in the presence of Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić. According to Dr. Bernhard, the combination of Rheinmetall’s expertise in tactical vehicle systems and DOK-ING’s advanced capabilities in unmanned technologies will create a strong market position for both companies. He also emphasized that establishing a presence in Croatia—an EU and NATO member—provides Rheinmetall with strategic access to a highly relevant defense market.

DOK-ING is internationally recognized for developing specialized unmanned systems designed to operate in hazardous and high-risk environments. The company produces robotic platforms used for mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal, and other dangerous operations in both military and civilian sectors. Since its founding, DOK-ING has delivered nearly 500 robotic platforms to customers in more than 40 countries. Its mine-clearing systems are currently being used in Ukraine to support demining operations.

The acquisition builds on an earlier cooperation agreement signed between the two companies in October 2024. That partnership initially focused on the joint development of unmanned ground systems for counter-mobility and combat support operations, including mobility solutions, mine-clearing systems, and mine-laying capabilities.

One of the key technological foundations of the collaboration is DOK-ING’s Komodo platform, a modular heavy-duty hybrid unmanned vehicle capable of carrying payloads exceeding 8.5 tons. Under the new ownership structure, Rheinmetall and DOK-ING plan to further develop advanced unmanned systems designed for combat and combat-support missions.

Among the systems under development is an unmanned armed support vehicle known as the “Wingman.” This platform is designed to operate alongside main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, providing reconnaissance and fire support during combat operations. The companies also intend to integrate these systems with Rheinmetall’s existing armored platforms, including the Panther KF51 main battle tank, the Büffel/Buffalo armored recovery vehicle, and the Kodiak armored engineer vehicle.

Vjekoslav Majetić stated that the strategic partnership with Rheinmetall will significantly expand DOK-ING’s production capacity and accelerate the development of next-generation unmanned systems. He added that the collaboration will strengthen the company’s long-term competitiveness and further enhance Croatia’s position within the European defense and technology landscape.