Ukraine and Germany eye closer cooperation on air defense and armored vehicle manufacturing.

On November 24, 2024, Sergiy Boyev, Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Defence for European Integration, met with Niels Hilmer, the State Secretary of the German Ministry of Defence, on the sidelines of the 16th International Security Forum in Halifax, Canada. The meeting focused on plans for 2025, air defense systems, and armored vehicles. Boyev acknowledged Germany's role in providing the Patriot and IRIS-T air defense systems, which are actively used to address missile attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. Discussions also explored the potential for Germany to supply additional heavy armored vehicles and enhance cooperation between German and Ukrainian defense companies, particularly in air defense and vehicle production.
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Germany’s contribution to Ukraine’s defense includes Rheinmetall’s upcoming delivery and production of hundreds of KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicles. (Picture source: Rheinmetall)

Germany’s contribution to Ukraine’s defense includes Rheinmetall’s upcoming delivery of KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). Announced in August 2024, the first units are expected to arrive in Ukraine by the end of the year. This delivery is part of a larger agreement involving several hundred Lynx vehicles, which include training, maintenance, and repair services. The Lynx design utilizes a modular approach, allowing customization for various roles, including infantry fighting, air defense, and medical support.

Rheinmetall has expanded its involvement by establishing four production plants in Ukraine. The first facility, already operational, produces Lynx IFVs and provides maintenance services. The remaining three factories are in advanced stages of construction. One will focus on gunpowder production, another on NATO-standard 155mm artillery shells, and the fourth on air defense systems. These facilities aim to modernize Ukraine’s production capabilities and reduce dependence on external supply chains. Rheinmetall holds a 51% stake in the joint venture, with plans to increase local production rates after the initial setup.

The company has also invested in training Ukrainian personnel in Germany and expects that production within Ukraine will become more self-sustained. Rheinmetall has noted its ongoing involvement in the repair of armored vehicles, with Ukrainian-based workshops supporting faster turnaround for battlefield equipment. In addition to Lynx vehicles, these workshops address maintenance for systems such as the IRIS-T air defense platform and other equipment previously supplied by Germany.

Beyond Rheinmetall, other international defense contractors have expanded operations in Ukraine. The Franco-German group KNDS has launched a subsidiary to support maintenance and production of Leopard tanks, Caesar self-propelled howitzers, and other systems. KNDS plans to start local production of 155mm artillery shells and related spare parts in 2025. South Africa’s Paramount Group has collaborated with Ukraine on the Mbombe 6 infantry combat vehicle, which has been observed in service with Ukraine’s forces. While full-scale production agreements are not yet confirmed, discussions continue.

Ukraine has pursued further partnerships to localize production. This includes agreements with the Czech Republic for CZ BREN 2 rifle production under the Sich brand and ammunition manufacturing with Sellier & Bellot. Indigenous manufacturing of vehicles based on U.S. designs has also been established, resulting in locally produced versions of the Humvee, M113 APC, and MaxxPro MRAP, named Sikach, Kharakternyk, and Lys respectively. These projects aim to reduce Ukraine’s reliance on external suppliers.

International efforts have also focused on increasing the availability of artillery and ammunition. Rheinmetall’s upcoming production of NATO-standard munitions complements broader plans involving other European countries, such as France and Sweden, which have announced expansions in ammunition production. This includes additional facilities in Ukraine supported by various multinational agreements.

The collaboration between Ukraine and its international partners is further illustrated by Sweden, the Netherlands, and Denmark’s commitment to supplying CV90 infantry fighting vehicles. Denmark has committed $264 million to this effort, while Sweden is managing the production and delivery of these vehicles. Further agreements involve potential local production and servicing of CV90s in Ukraine.

Overall, Ukraine’s defense partnerships are focused on increasing local production capabilities for vehicles, air defense systems, and ammunition. These efforts include training personnel, establishing facilities for maintenance and repair, and transitioning to NATO standards. As these initiatives progress, Ukraine aims to modernize its military capabilities and enhance its defense industry’s self-reliance amid ongoing challenges.