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Analysis: How Private Company Like Rheinmetall Has Supported Ukraine Throughout the Conflict.
Rheinmetall once again asserts itself as one of Ukraine’s foremost defense partners, notably by delivering large volumes of military equipment and essential logistical support in the face of Russian aggression. During the “Ukraine Recovery Conference 2024” in Berlin, the German technology group and Ukraine’s Minister for Strategic Industries, Oleksandr Kamyshin, signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening their strategic cooperation and enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Beyond ammunition, Rheinmetall has already shipped an important number of combat vehicles, including over one hundred Marder 1A3 vehicles. (Picture source: Rheinmetall)
This agreement specifically provides for the production of artillery shells, as well as the supply and manufacture of Lynx infantry fighting vehicles. In addition to direct deliveries, the goal is to restore and develop Ukraine’s domestic production expertise to reinforce the country’s defense capacity over the long term. As early as October 2023, Rheinmetall had founded the joint venture Rheinmetall Ukrainian Defence Industry LLC with a Ukrainian state-owned company. Ukrainian specialists, trained in Germany to maintain combat vehicles, have already been working on various systems in Ukraine for some time. In June 2024, the company opened a maintenance center in western Ukraine with the support of high-ranking political figures. This facility reflects Rheinmetall’s determination to help Ukraine rebuild its once-powerful defense industry and solidify its autonomy in this sector.
The company occupies a strategic position on the global market when it comes to the supply of medium- and large-caliber weapons and ammunition. It delivers substantial quantities of 20 mm shells for the Marder infantry fighting vehicle, 35 mm shells for the Gepard anti-aircraft system, as well as 40 mm, 105 mm, and 120 mm rounds for tanks, plus 155 mm artillery shells and mortar ammunition. In the 155 mm segment—crucial for Ukraine’s artillery—Rheinmetall has already supplied hundreds of thousands of projectiles. In December 2023, the German government also placed an order for tens of thousands of shells to be delivered in 2025. Another NATO member state likewise entrusted Rheinmetall with the production of large quantities of 155 mm ammunition for Ukraine. In February 2024, with a view toward local production, Rheinmetall and Ukraine announced their intention to manufacture a six-figure quantity of 155 mm shells per year under a “Center of Excellence for Ammunition” in Ukraine. The German group will hold 51% of the shares in this joint venture, with its Ukrainian partner holding 49%. This partnership resulted in the signing of a major framework contract in June 2024 with the German government—the largest in Rheinmetall’s history—in which Ukraine also participates.
Beyond ammunition, Rheinmetall has already shipped an important number of combat vehicles, including over one hundred Marder 1A3 vehicles. Some were delivered directly, while others arrived via a circular exchange with Greece, Slovakia, or the Czech Republic. At the same time, the joint venture in Ukraine is working on initiating local production of Lynx infantry fighting vehicles. The first transfers are expected in the short term, speeding up their availability for the Ukrainian armed forces. In terms of main battle tanks, Rheinmetall has delivered a double-digit number of Leopard 1A5 tanks, along with five recovery vehicles and two driver training models. It also provided 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks on behalf of the Dutch and Danish governments, two of which were sent for training purposes. Thanks to circular exchange agreements with Slovakia and the Czech Republic, Rheinmetall is also responsible for maintaining these tanks, thus offering comprehensive support services to Ukraine.
Air defense remains a central concern, as illustrated by the success of the 35 mm Gepard in countering cruise missiles and drones. In this vein, Rheinmetall offers the Skynex system, which also relies on a 35 mm programmable AHEAD cannon designed for close-range defense. This solution is more economical than guided missile systems and less vulnerable to electronic countermeasures. Rheinmetall’s new 8×8 multipurpose truck, already in use by the German Army, serves as the platform for Skynex. The first example was delivered to Ukraine in 2023, with a second scheduled for 2024.
As for wheeled vehicles, several hundred Rheinmetall trucks are now operational in Ukraine, including a recent batch of 26 newly delivered models. Robust, mobile, and modular, the HX lineup stands out for its reliability in conflict zones. Rheinmetall also supplied Ukraine with 20 Caracal 4×4 vehicles, all-terrain models suitable for airborne and special forces operations.
Maintenance and logistical support are of primary importance in a theater of operations. For this reason, the joint venture Rheinmetall Ukrainian Defense Industry LLC opened a maintenance hub in the west of the country, whose teams are already servicing and repairing Marders and Leopard 1s. Plans are in place to repair Leopard 2s and other German-made systems at additional sites. Wherever possible, existing infrastructure in Ukraine is used, while Rheinmetall provides specialized tools and spare parts. The group also jointly operates a maintenance center in Lithuania, in cooperation with KNDS, to ensure the availability and operational status of equipment supplied to Ukraine.
In the medical field, Rheinmetall delivered a fully autonomous field hospital meeting NATO Role 2 standards in August 2023. Comprising 32 beds, including 8 intensive care units, it was supplied by its subsidiary RMS GmbH in collaboration with the German government. Ten Ukrainian doctors and nurses received two weeks of training in setting up and operating the hospital, after which they returned immediately to their deployment area. Two Role 1 medical stations were additionally provided to Ukraine in December 2023 and in the first quarter of 2024. Other deliveries are being prepared in close cooperation between the Ukrainian and German governments.
Drone warfare has become a critical aspect of Ukraine’s defense, and Rheinmetall contributes by delivering SurveilSPIRE mobile reconnaissance systems, equipped with telescopic towers featuring day/night cameras, autonomous mini-drones, and an integrated command-and-control unit. Germany has already ordered additional units for Ukraine, reflecting the close collaboration between Rheinmetall and its Estonian partners.
Through this wide range of deliveries—encompassing combat vehicles, large-caliber weapons, air defense systems, logistical solutions, medical structures, and reconnaissance equipment—the Düsseldorf-based company once again underscores its pivotal role in supporting Ukraine’s armed forces, as well as defending security and freedom in Europe more broadly. The equipment already provided attests to how this German firm has become a cornerstone of Europe’s defense architecture and a determined champion of democracy.