Rheinmetall Announces Opening of Maintenance and Repair Facility in Ukraine.

On June 10, 2024, Rheinmetall Ukrainian Defense Industry LLC celebrated the political opening of its new maintenance and repair center in western Ukraine. This significant event was highlighted by the visit of the Ukrainian Minister of Strategic Industries, Oleksandr Kamyshin.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Rheinmetall Ukrainian Defense Industry LLC celebrated the opening of its new maintenance and repair center in Ukraine. (Picture source: Rheinmetall)

"We strive to develop our production capabilities with our allies and believe that the Ukrainian defense industry is part of the European defense industry, which strengthens the collective security system of the European Union. Therefore, the opening of a joint service center with Rheinmetall is not only a step towards Ukraine's Victory but also an important stage in building the arsenal of the Free World," Kamyshin stated during the visit.

Currently, the center is servicing and overhauling Marder infantry fighting vehicles. Plans are in place to extend these services to include Leopard 1 and Leopard 2 main battle tanks, as well as other German-made systems at additional sites throughout Ukraine.

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, emphasized the company's commitment to supporting Ukraine: "It is a matter close to our hearts to provide Ukraine with effective and reliable support. Our top priority is to maximize availability and ensure rapid replenishment of spare parts. To achieve this, we utilize existing channels via original manufacturers, process materials ourselves and with partners. We are also reactivating original supply chains and integrating local production in Ukraine."

Dmytro Klimenkov, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine, highlighted the strategic importance of the new facility: "The opening of the first joint service center with Rheinmetall in Ukraine is crucial for strengthening our defense capabilities. This facility will allow us to ensure quick repairs and maintenance of German equipment directly on Ukrainian soil, significantly enhancing the efficiency of our Armed Forces. We are grateful to our German partners for their trust and support, which enable us to confidently move towards victory and integrate into the European collective security system."

Rheinmetall has equipped the center with special tools, spare parts, and other necessary equipment, leveraging existing local infrastructure. Last year, Ukrainian specialists underwent training at Rheinmetall sites in Germany, gaining expertise in the repair of combat vehicles, including industrial mechanics and mechatronics engineering. These trained personnel have since returned to Ukraine to work on the maintenance and repair of these systems.

The joint venture, Rheinmetall Ukrainian Defense Industry LLC, was established in October 2023. The announcement was made at the German-Ukrainian Economic Forum in Berlin, attended by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

This new center marks a significant step in bolstering Ukraine's defense infrastructure, reinforcing the collaborative efforts between Ukraine and its European allies.