Collaboration or teamwork - Rheinmetall launches new tank maintenance center in Ukraine
According to reports from Kiev, German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has opened a joint repair workshop and production site with Ukraine. The Ukrainian Ministry of Strategic Industries made this announcement on Monday, alongside the handover of keys for repairing the infantry fighting vehicle Marder. Minister Olexandr Kamyschin described the joint production facility as a "step towards Ukraine's victory" and an "important milestone" in the development of the world's arsenals.
A photo released by the ministry shows Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger wearing a bulletproof vest. The partnership between Rheinmetall and Ukrainian arms manufacturer Ukroboronprom dates back to May 2021, when the two companies agreed to work together on repairing armored vehicles in Ukraine.
The opening of the first joint service center is said to allow for rapid repair and maintenance of German equipment in Ukraine, which has been fighting off a Russian attack for over two years. This is expected to greatly improve the efficiency of the Ukrainian armed forces. Ukrainian specialists work at the production site, with German company representatives providing technical supervision.
Papperger expressed his support for Ukraine by saying, "It is very important for us to support Ukraine efficiently and reliably." He also stressed the need for quick delivery of replacement parts. According to a previous statement from Rheinmetall, the cooperation is set to expand to include the joint production of selected products in Ukraine.
Last year, Rheinmetall revealed that the joint venture would focus on service and maintenance services, assembly, production, and development of military vehicles - all within the territory of Ukraine. Ukraine aims to become a leading arms producer in the world with the support of Western arms manufacturers.
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The joint repair workshop and production site, established by Rheinmetall in Kiev, Ukraine, is significant in the context of the ongoing War of aggression against Ukraine. This collaboration with Ukroboronprom is anticipated to lead to the joint production of selected products within Ukraine, further bolstering Ukraine's aspirations to become a prominent arms producer globally.
