Leopard 2 tank manufacturer launches joint venture in Ukraine
Illustrative photo: Leopard 2 tank manufacturer opens a plant in Ukraine (Getty Images)
The German KNDS Deutschland company, which produces Leopard 2 tanks, has officially opened a joint venture with one of Ukraine's defense companies, according to the Minister of Strategic Industries Herman Smetanin.
"I am pleased to announce the official opening of a joint venture between KMW (KNDS Deutschland) and one of Ukraine's defense enterprises," Smetanin stated.
According to him, the newly established company will specialize in servicing and repairing military equipment supplied by the German company to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The first units of this equipment arrived in Ukraine back in 2022.
"Ukrainian specialists have already undergone training in Germany, and the first systems have been installed at the facilities," Smetanin added.
As a result, the maintenance of Defense Forces' equipment will now be faster. Additionally, the joint venture will "significantly support the economy through investments and job creation."
In March 2024, Paris and Berlin reached an agreement allowing the Franco-German company KNDS, which manufactures tanks among other military equipment, to establish a branch in Ukraine.
By June, the tank manufacturer KNDS had officially registered the creation of a subsidiary in Ukraine.
