German defense firm Rheinmetall has agreed to acquire a 51 percent stake in Croatian unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) manufacturer DOK-ING, strengthening its position in the autonomous systems sector.
The agreement was signed by Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems Europe CEO Björn Bernhard and DOK-ING founder Vjekoslav Majetić, in the presence of Croatia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić. Under the arrangement, Majetić will retain the remaining 49 percent stake, while the company will continue operating from its headquarters in Zagreb with its existing management team. The financial value of the transaction was not revealed and remains subject to regulatory approval.
The partnership will focus on developing unmanned platforms for both combat and support roles such as mine clearance, mine laying, reconnaissance, and fire support missions. One key initiative following the acquisition is the “Wingman,” an armed UGV designed to operate alongside main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles.
The program will build on DOK-ING’s Komodo platform, a modular hybrid UGV capable of carrying payloads exceeding 8.5 tonnes. Rheinmetall is expected to integrate mission modules including direct and indirect fire systems, autonomous technologies, and logistics equipment. In addition, the German company plans to establish a regional competence center in Croatia dedicated to autonomous tactical systems.
