The official opening of the Rheinmetall Ukrainian Defense Industry maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre in western Ukraine took place on 10 June 2024.
Ukrainian Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin, who visited the site on the occasion, stated, “We strive to develop our production capabilities together with our allies and believe that the Ukrainian defence industry is a part of the European defence industry, which strengthens the system of collective security of the European Union. Therefore, the opening of a joint service centre with Rheinmetall is not only a step towards the victory of Ukraine, but also an important stage in the construction of the arsenal of the Free World.”
German-donated Marder infantry fighting vehicles are already being maintained and overhauled at the hub, while in future Leopard 1 and Leopard 2 main battle tanks and other German-made systems will be repaired at other locations in Ukraine.
Armin Papperger, Rheinmetall CEO, was quoted as saying, “It is a matter close to our hearts to provide Ukraine with effective and reliable support. When it comes to supplying spare parts, our top priority is to maximise availability and ensure rapid replenishment. To achieve this we utilise existing channels via original manufacturers, [and] process material ourselves and with partners. We are also reactivating original supply chains and integrating local production in Ukraine.”
“The opening of the first joint service centre with Rheinmetall in Ukraine is crucial for strengthening our defence capabilities,” added Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Dmytro Klimenkov. “This facility will allow us to ensure quick repairs and maintenance of German equipment directly on Ukrainian soil, significantly enhancing the efficiency of our armed forces. We are grateful to our German partners for their trust and support, which enable us to confidently move towards victory and integrate into the European collective security system.”
Ukrainian personnel trained in Germany have been working in Ukraine since last year.
