Rheinmetall and Ukraine launch their inaugural tank repair center together.
The German arms maker Rheinmetall and Ukraine have launched a collaborative tank repair facility and manufacturing space, as cited by Kiev officials. Officially opening the site for repairing and maintaining the infantry fighting vehicle Marder, the Ukrainian Ministry of Strategic Industries announced the news on Monday from Kiev.
Minister Olexandr Kamyschin praised the joint endeavor in a press statement, saying, "The opening of a joint production facility with Rheinmetall represents not only a step toward victory for Ukraine but also a significant milestone in assembling the arsenal of the free world."
Rheinmetall's CEO, Armin Papperger, was photographed in a bulletproof vest during the event. In May the previous year, Rheinmetall and the Ukrainian arms manufacturer Ukroboronprom established a joint venture for upkeep of armored vehicles in Ukraine.
Ukraine's Defense Ministry revealed that this first shared service center facilitates prompt fixing and maintenance of German hardware in Ukraine, where a Russian invasion has been ongoing for over two years. This effort will likely enhance the effectiveness of their armed forces, the ministry affirmed. At the co-operative production facility, Ukrainian specialists are engaged in hands-on work, while Rheinmetall's representatives oversee the technical aspects, the announcement stated.
