KNDS Deutschland has established a joint venture in Ukraine that will focus on the repair and maintenance of German weapons used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This was reported by the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, specifying that the agreement was signed today, January 21.
It is also noted that practical work has already begun, with over 100 Ukrainian specialists having undergone training in Germany, and the necessary systems for operation have been installed at the facilities that passed the required inspections. For security reasons, no additional details, including the name of the Ukrainian enterprise, are disclosed.
At the same time, the significance of opening Ukrainian facilities for KNDS Deutschland cannot be overstated. This relates to the capability to service and repair a substantial range of military equipment and weapons. KNDS is a merger of the German KMW and the French Nexter.
When discussing KMW products, it includes tanks like the Leopard 1 and Leopard 2, self-propelled howitzers PzH 2000, the Gepard anti-aircraft system, and Dingo armored vehicles—all of which are currently in widespread use by the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Looking toward the future, this also encompasses the latest wheeled self-propelled artillery systems RCH 155 and combat vehicles RCT30 Boxer.
With the right approach and support, such joint ventures for maintenance can eventually become the foundation for localized manufacturing capabilities. For Ukraine, the only effective way to rearm and upgrade with modern technology is through production at Ukrainian facilities.
It is worth recalling that plans for KNDS's entry into Ukraine were first revealed back in March 2024. This was agreed upon at the level of the defense ministers of Germany and France. Meanwhile, the pioneer among European defense companies in entering Ukraine remains Rheinmetall, which has plans for four factories.