Rheinmetall and KMW Unite Forces to Provide NATO Vehicle Support in the Baltics
Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) have formed a collaborative venture in Lithuania aimed at delivering extensive logistical assistance for combat vehicles associated with the Lithuanian armed forces, as well as those of other NATO countries stationed in the Baltic region. The initiative is designed to leverage synergy advantages and foster multinational interoperability among the military forces and defense sectors of NATO allied nations. Designated as Lithuania Defense Services, the firm is set to launch operations in Jonava in May 2022. Each partner holds an equal 50% interest in the joint initiative. Sebastian Dietz has been appointed as managing director.
The cutting-edge maintenance and logistics hub in Jonava covers an approximate area of 12,000 square meters. Strategically positioned near Rukla, Lithuania’s primary military base and home to the NATO Battlegroup Lithuania, it benefits from a direct rail connection.
One of the organization’s key responsibilities will be to care for the “Vilkas,” Lithuania’s iteration of the multipurpose Boxer wheeled armored vehicle. It will also service additional combat vehicles of the Baltic nations and NATO forces deployed in the area during Enhanced Forward Presence rotations. These include various Boxer systems, the Puma infantry fighting vehicle, the Bergepanzer 3 Büffel/Buffalo armored recovery vehicle, several versions of the Leopard 2 main battle tank, and the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer. As the original equipment manufacturers of all these systems, Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann have unmatched proficiency in this field. The local presence of the partners ensures that NATO units will experience reduced response times and enhanced supply chains due to increased capacity in the region.
