In a significant move to bolster military capabilities, German defense company Rheinmetall has partnered with Poland’s state-owned arms group Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) to establish a new initiative focused on producing military support vehicles for the Polish Armed Forces. This collaboration materialized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), which outlines the plans for a joint venture known as the European Support Vehicles Center. This entity will be tasked with the development and manufacturing of specialized vehicles, including armored recovery units, mine-clearing machinery, and bridge-laying vehicles.
Rheinmetall, recognized for its expertise in armored vehicles such as the Keiler NG mine-clearing vehicle, has an established presence in Poland through its subsidiary located in Warsaw. In parallel, PGZ oversees a significant portion of Poland’s defense production via its network of state-owned enterprises, positioning both organizations to leverage complementary strengths in defense manufacturing.
The new alliance comes amid heightened security concerns from eastern borders, with Rheinmetall emphasizing the need to enhance Europe’s capacity to produce and maintain heavy military vehicles. Björn Bernhard, managing director of Vehicle Systems Europe at Rheinmetall, expressed that the MoU reflects a deep mutual understanding and shared objectives. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in knowledge exchange and the exploration of new opportunities. “By signing the MoU, we contribute to building an all-European defense potential, fostering new multi-national partnerships, and establishing robust supply chains,” Bernhard stated, reinforcing the commitment to enhancing European security.
PGZ CEO Adam Leszkiewicz highlighted that this agreement aligns with the company’s strategic goal of expanding international partnerships, while concurrently strengthening Poland’s domestic industrial capabilities. The partnership is not merely a defense measure but opens avenues for further collaboration on additional solutions for external markets. “This agreement is also vital for the Military Industrial Automotive and, potentially, H. Cegielski plant, both situated in Poznań. It presents substantial business development opportunities and exemplifies product diversification within the PGZ Group,” he asserted.
The joint venture appears to be a crucial step towards ensuring a fortified defense framework in Europe, illustrating the commitment of both companies to enhance military readiness and industrial cooperation in an increasingly complex security landscape.
