By KYIV. May 12 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The largest German concern for arms production, Rheinmetall, concluded an agreement with the Ukroboronprom State Concern on the creation of a joint venture for repair of tanks in Ukraine, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger has said in an interview with Handelsblatt.
“Rheinmetall has created a joint venture with Ukrainian state company Ukroboronprom. Tank cooperation is just the first step,” the publication said on Friday.
According to Handelsblatt, Papperger discussed the details of the agreement with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a visit to Ukraine.
“The contracts are already signed,” he said.
A 51% stake in the joint venture created by Ukroboronprom and Rheinmetall and management belong to the German side. Cooperation will concern the maintenance and repair of armored vehicles in Ukraine, and the construction of tanks will be prepared in parallel.
As reported with reference to the company’s website, Rheinmetall plans to produce tanks, air defense, anti-aircraft systems and ammunition in Ukraine. As expected, agreements on the creation of a joint venture for the production of ammunition and air defense systems will be signed in the coming weeks.
Director General of Ukroboronprom Yuriy Husev, quoted by Handelsblatt, welcomed the readiness of Rheinmetall to support Ukraine in its confrontation with the aggressor.
