Rheinmetall plays a significant role in supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression through major military material deliveries and extensive logistical support. With its robust production capacity, the tech enterprise provides crucial products like ammunition and leverages its diverse technology portfolio to bolster Ukraine’s national survival efforts.

Recognizing the long-term needs of Ukraine’s defense industry, Rheinmetall entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Ukraine’s state-owned Ukroboronprom in May 2023. The collaboration aims to assist Ukraine in revitalizing its defense sector and aligning its production with western standards. Initially, the focus will be on repair and maintenance of combat vehicles, followed by local production of armored vehicles such as the Fuchs/Fox armored transport vehicle, Lynx infantry fighting vehicle, and Panther main battle tank. The ultimate goal is to transform Ukraine into an efficient partner, restore its once formidable defense sector, and ensure strategic autonomy.

Rheinmetall Support to Ukraine

Ammunition

Rheinmetall stands as the exclusive defense contractor capable of providing substantial quantities of new medium- and large-caliber ammunition to the Ukrainian military. This includes 20mm ammunition for the Marder infantry fighting vehicle and 105mm and 120mm tank ammunition for the Leopard 1 and Leopard 2. Additionally, a first batch of 35mm ammunition for the Gepard antiaircraft tank, totaling 300,000 rounds designated for Ukraine, is set for shipment. Furthermore, Rheinmetall serves as a crucial strategic supplier of 155mm artillery ammunition to Ukraine, having already delivered tens of thousands of rounds, with more to come.

Rheinmetall tank ammunition
Rheinmetall 120mm HE D11 tank ammunition (Image Credit: Rheinmetall)

 

Marder IFV

Rheinmetall provides significant support to Ukraine in the combat vehicle domain through multilateral Ringtausch exchange programs with partner nations like Greece, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, as well as through direct transfers. On behalf of the German government, Rheinmetall sent the first batch of twenty Marder infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine in March 2023. Another order for a second lot of twenty Marder IFVs is scheduled to be shipped this summer. Moreover, there are an additional sixty Marder vehicles available, which could also be prepared for deployment. As part of a Ringtausch exchange facilitated by the German government, Rheinmetall is also supplying Greece with the Marder 1A3. In return, the Greek armed forces have transferred Soviet-era infantry fighting vehicles and other military equipment to Ukraine.

Leopard 1 and 2 MPTs

Rheinmetall possesses significant potential to supply Ukraine with Leopard 1 tanks, offering numerous tried-and-tested vehicles. Furthermore, the advancement of Leopard 2 tanks is also underway. In addition to Ringtausch programs involving Slovakia and the Czech Republic, Rheinmetall is providing Ukraine with these tanks, with the Dutch and Danish governments financing the procurement. Additionally, Rheinmetall has been awarded a contract for the maintenance of these combat vehicles, showcasing its comprehensive support for Ukraine’s war efforts.

Leopard 2A4 Tank
Leopard 2A4 (Image Credit: Rheinmetall)

 

Air Defense

The success of the 35mm Gepard antiaircraft tank in Ukraine highlights the effectiveness of cannon-based air defense, particularly against cruise missiles and drones. Rheinmetall’s state-of-the-art Skynex system upholds this tradition, offering a cannon-based solution for very close-range air defense operations, where guided missiles are less effective. Using programmable 35mm Ahead ammunition, specifically developed by Rheinmetall for this purpose, proves to be more cost-efficient than comparable guided missile-based systems. Additionally, the 35mm rounds are impervious to electronic countermeasures.

Rheinmetall's Oerlikon Skynex® Air Defence System
Rheinmetall’s Oerlikon Skynex® Air Defence System (Image Credit: Rheinmetall)

 

In the latter half of 2023, Ukraine will receive two advanced Skynex air defense systems, complete with airburst munitions. These cutting-edge systems will be mounted on new Rheinmetall HX 8×8 military trucks.

HX Trucks

Manufactured by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles, HX trucks enjoy a worldwide reputation as one of the most extensively utilized military logistic vehicles. They are renowned for their exceptional durability, off-road mobility, user-friendliness, and modularity, distinguishing them from competitors in the industry.

Rheinmetall HX Truck
Image Credit: Rheinmetall

 

Currently, Ukraine operates nearly 100 Rheinmetall-made trucks, and recently, they received an additional 26 brand-new units directly from the factory.

Service and Logistical Support

In all military operations, the importance of service and maintenance support cannot be overstated. Recognizing the need to sustain Western-made systems and ensure sufficient logistical assistance, Rheinmetall is setting up a maintenance and logistics center in Satu Mare, Romania—a fellow NATO member country. This center will not only cater to the maintenance needs of Rheinmetall’s systems but will also be available to service armored vehicles and logistic trucks of NATO armed forces in the region in the future.

Mobile Field Hospitals

Under the German government’s request, Rheinmetall’s subsidiary, ZMS GmbH, is providing Ukraine with a turnkey field hospital this year, offering significant support to the country’s armed forces. This combined tent- and container-based system will facilitate lifesaving surgical operations in close proximity to the frontline. Additionally, a second field hospital is scheduled for delivery in 2024.

Rheinmetall Field Hospital Graphic
Image Credit: Rheinmetall

 

In late 2022, Rheinmetall was contracted to supply a Role 2 hospital, comprising three vehicle trailer combinations—each consisting of a truck and trailer—along with a total of six containers. This comprehensive turnkey system is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology.

Reconnaissance Systems

Complementing the comprehensive support package is the SurveilSPIRE mobile reconnaissance system, featuring day-and-night-capable cameras and autopiloted mini drones. In 2022, Rheinmetall supplied five SurveilSPIRE airspace surveillance systems, and an additional five have been ordered for 2023. For this project, Rheinmetall is collaborating with an Estonian partner company.

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Post Image- Rheinmetall Marder IFV (Image Credit: Rheinmetall)