Germany and Croatia to jointly develop unmanned mine-scattering vehicles by 2025.

On October 28, 2024, Rheinmetall AG and Croatian UGS manufacturer DOK-ING signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Berlin, marking a strategic partnership for the co-development of unmanned ground systems (UGS). The agreement, signed in the presence of Croatian Defence Minister Ivan Anušić, aims to establish a joint venture for producing unmanned combat and combat support vehicles. The first project focuses on developing a system for mine scattering and counter-mobility operations, with a demonstrator expected by 2025.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Komodo is a hybrid unmanned ground system (UGS) developed by DOK-ING for dual-use in civil and military operations, designed to operate in extreme CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) environments. (Picture source: DOK-ING)

Rheinmetall will provide capability modules, including systems for direct and indirect fire, reconnaissance, and logistics, while DOK-ING will contribute its expertise in unmanned robotic systems. This partnership represents a European initiative to advance military technology, with both companies expected to apply their industrial expertise for the development and marketing of the DOK-ING Komodo platform. Additionally, the collaboration plans an integration with Rheinmetall's existing products, such as the KF51 Panther and the Kodiak-3 armored engineer vehicle.

The Komodo is an unmanned ground system (UGS) developed by DOK-ING for dual-use in civil and military operations, designed to operate in extreme CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) environments. It includes a hybrid propulsion system for operation in low-oxygen and high-temperature conditions, and features sensors for reconnaissance and decontamination tools for personnel, equipment, and surfaces. The system can collect samples and operate autonomously in obstacle avoidance and firefighting. Komodo is part of the European Defense Agency's PESCO initiative, focusing on CBRN defense and real-time incident data collection.

The partnership is subject to regulatory approval, including from the European Commission, and is considered a step toward enhancing European defense capabilities. Dr. Björn Bernhard, head of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Europe division, commented on the potential for setting new standards for UGS production. Vjekoslav Majetić, founder and President of DOK-ING, mentioned the potential for technological synergies that could produce unmanned systems for both military and civilian use. The collaboration is expected to support Rheinmetall and DOK-ING's positions in the European defense sector.

The cooperation between Rheinmetall and DOK-ING centers on the development of unmanned support vehicles for tasks such as reconnaissance, fire support, mine clearance, and air defense. One of the key vehicle lines that could be part of this partnership is the Rheinmetall Mission Master family, which includes autonomous unmanned ground vehicles (AUGVs) such as the Mission Master SP, XT, and CXT. These vehicles feature autonomous navigation systems, including the PATH A-Kit, enabling them to operate independently in difficult environments. The Mission Master XT is designed for extreme terrain and can carry heavy payloads, while the Mission Master SP focuses on stealth and mobility in high-risk areas.

DOK-ING's contribution to the partnership includes its experience with unmanned and remote-controlled systems for hazardous environments, such as the MV-4 and MV-10 unmanned ground systems, both designed for mine clearance and counter-mobility tasks. The MV-4 is a lightweight platform used for explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and remote mine clearing, equipped with various interchangeable tools like flails and manipulators. It operates remotely with a range of up to 1,500 meters and is used in both military and humanitarian demining operations. The larger MV-10 combines a flail and tiller tool for clearing anti-personnel and anti-tank mines over wider areas, with improved explosion resistance and enhanced situational awareness.