Rheinmetall bets big on autonomous warfare with DOK-ING takeover
German defence giant Rheinmetall has taken a major step into autonomous military systems. The company acquired a 51% stake in Croatian robotics specialist DOK-ING, a move aimed at boosting its capabilities in unmanned warfare. This deal also supports Rheinmetall's Wingman project, which focuses on developing autonomous escort vehicles for tanks.
The acquisition comes as Europe's defence sector works to catch up with rivals in autonomous weapon technology. While the US and Russia have fielded advanced AI-driven systems, European efforts have centred more on ethical guidelines and collaborative research projects.
DOK-ING brings expertise in robotic demining systems, already used in conflict zones like Ukraine. Rheinmetall's investment will help expand these technologies into broader autonomous warfare applications. A new centre of excellence for autonomous systems will be set up in Croatia, reinforcing the country's role in EU and NATO defence strategies.
The deal still requires regulatory approval but fits Rheinmetall's long-term focus on defence innovation. Despite a recent 6.5% dip in its stock price—closing last week at €1,557.50—the company's shares remain up over 30% in the past year. Analysts suggest the decline may be a short-term adjustment rather than a lasting trend, given strong defence budgets and Rheinmetall's growing order backlog.
The Wingman project, part of Rheinmetall's push into unmanned systems, aims to create autonomous vehicles that support main battle tanks. These would assist in reconnaissance and fire support, filling a gap in the company's current portfolio. While Europe has lagged behind the US and Russia in deploying autonomous weapons, this acquisition signals a shift toward more advanced, AI-driven defence solutions.
Rheinmetall's acquisition of DOK-ING strengthens its position in autonomous military technology. The new Croatian centre will accelerate development, while the Wingman project moves forward with unmanned tank support systems. With regulatory approval pending, the deal reflects Rheinmetall's strategy to lead in next-generation defence capabilities.
