Readers will find answers on burning questions:
- How was the partner chosen for the improvement of the Gepard system in Ukraine?
- Can the production of the RCH 155 self-propelled howitzers be accelerated for the Ukrainian Armed Forces?
- What approaches does KNDS Deutschland take when cooperating with its partners?
Especially inquisitive researchers learn more around plans and prospects of KNDS Deutschland, its brand new as well as long-term service-tested offers on the ground in Ukraine.
Read more: KNDS Deutschland Creates Joint Venture With Unnamed Ukrainian Enterprise - It's About Leopard 2, PzH-2000, RCH-155 Etc
KNDS Deutschland is the new name of the well-known Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), one of the flagships of the German defense industry. KNDS Deutschland has opened a joint venture in Ukraine, which will specialize in the repair and maintenance of German weapons currently in use by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Over 100 Ukrainian specialists have been trained in Germany, and Ukrainian facilities have passed all necessary inspections and are already operational. This is an extremely important step for Ukraine in acquiring new competencies and for the implementation of long-term defense projects in cooperation with a globally recognized leader in the defense industry.

Ralf Ketzel, CEO of KNDS Deutschland, tells Defense Express about the plans of the German arm of KNDS in Ukraine:
- Mr. Ketzel, it’s probably worth starting by outlining the areas where KNDS Deutschland is currently working with Ukraine. What weapon systems and equipment are currently being used by the Ukrainian defense forces, and which ones are your team responsible for maintaining and servicing?
- KNDS Deutschland supplies a range of weapons. These include Leopard 1 and Leopard 2 tanks, the Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzer, and the Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft gun. In addition, we provide the Fennek reconnaissance vehicle, which is delivered from the Netherlands. We also support the production of the MARS armored self-propelled multiple launch rocket system (the European version of the M270). We will also supply the RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzer. Additionally, we provide the Boxer infantry fighting vehicle with a 30mm gun and the Dingo armored vehicles. Together with the Estonian company Milrem, we have supplied robotic systems.
We collaborate with our French partners who have the CAESAR self-propelled howitzer and AMX-10 armored vehicles. This means that a significant portion of the military equipment and weapons in the Ukrainian Armed Forces is supported either directly or indirectly by KNDS.

- A separate and important chapter in this story of aid to Ukraine is the creation of a joint venture in Ukraine. At the first stage, as I understand it, the main efforts will be focused on the repair and improvement of the Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns and their Dutch versions, Cheetah, which are used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces for countering drones and cruise missiles. Why was the "Gepard direction" chosen as a priority?
- The Leopard tanks, the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers, and other systems are already used by the Ukrainian Defense Forces and may be somewhat simpler to maintain than the Gepard fire control system. We know that their technical maintenance is done either in Ukraine by our partner company Rheinmetall in the framework of their joint venture, or outside the country at our plants and other facilities.
But when it comes to the Gepard, KNDS Deutschland has a special format of interaction with Ukraine. We were the first German company to deliver the Gepard to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the first German company to provide the armored system. As an industry, we organized training courses for Ukrainian soldiers, which were conducted by the German Armed Forces. Hundreds of soldiers underwent specialized training to service these systems at a basic level. In other programs, the equipment was supplied by governments, and the training was conducted by armies with the support of the industry.
But now we’re talking about more advanced technical service. That’s why we’ve set up a joint venture with Ukraine, where we are equals. We are providing all the necessary documentation to the Ukrainian side. We have also signed a contract to provide the latest technologies. Real partnership relations have been established between us. This is the next step.

We now have all the rights and the freedom of action to apply a high level of know-how and technical competence to repair these systems within Ukraine. We believe that the creation of a joint venture and close cooperation will be a major step forward.
- How was the process of choosing a Ukrainian partner for the joint venture between KNDS and Ukraine? How did this cooperation begin? What is the Ukrainian side responsible for in the joint projects?
- Two years ago, we began evaluating the situation. At the Munich Security Conference, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs approached us with a request for industrial cooperation. We started several dialogues with Ukrainian companies. Then there was the summit in Copenhagen, and members of my team were there. We identified several key directions for Ukraine, particularly regarding the supply of the already mentioned Gepard systems.
First and foremost, we needed a partner with experience working with anti-aircraft systems in electronics and weaponry. About a year ago, in September, we spoke about this at the German-Ukrainian Industrial Corporation conference, chaired by Germany’s Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, which was also dedicated to defense issues.
We were then told that there was a company, not present at this forum, but which was specifically working on air defense. We visited this company, and found that they were well-versed in Soviet-era air defense systems and were actively involved in Ukraine’s air defense efforts. We saw these people, their equipment, and their technical maintenance, and decided that this would be our partner.

The complexity of the war and the challenges of relationships in wartime mean that at a certain point, you have to make decisions first and then start implementing them. That was the beginning. We didn’t find the necessary competencies for working with complex air defense electronics in other companies. But here, we found a partner who understands exactly what needs to be done. For us, that was the main factor. Then began a long administrative process, which took more time than I expected. But before making a decision, we met with representatives of the Ukrainian army and ministries to discuss investment matters. This isn’t just our whim but a requirement.
- Does this mean there will be further joint projects aimed at improving the weapons systems Ukraine has received from KNDS?
- We would like that. This is one of the goals of our cooperation. We know the capabilities of Ukrainian engineers. We have the latest version of the Gepard, but we also have a batch of older machines. We would be happy if, within this partnership, we could create a Ukrainian version with an upgraded radar and an enhanced tracking system. This is one of the goals we had when choosing this particular partner, who is well-versed in air defense.
Our team would be delighted if such research, conducted jointly with Ukrainian engineers, is successful. We are open to discussing various projects. One of our main objectives is to produce large quantities of equipment, including infantry fighting vehicles, tanks, and artillery systems. We also see this as an opportunity. Naturally, Ukraine is also interested in producing new weapons.

- Very soon, Ukraine will be testing the latest models from KNDS on the battlefield. This includes the RCH 155 self-propelled artillery system, as well as, likely, the new wheeled armored vehicles like the RCT30 Boxer. Were there any concerns from German politicians or officials about supplying these systems to Ukraine due to potential technical or technological risks?
- No, there have been no restrictions from politicians or government officials. Everyone understands that to counter the threats to the Ukrainian army, a technological advantage is necessary. And for that, new technologies are needed. This is very helpful, and today the Germans are very open in this regard. I have never seen any disputes on this issue. If a decision is made, it is always in favor of Ukraine. And this is true globally. If a decision is made in Germany, Ukraine and Germany are always the priorities. We supply everything, including the most modern RCH 155 system, and we provide it with no restrictions. We know that some countries may hesitate to do this. This also applies to the new wheeled armored vehicles like the RCT30 Boxer.
We believe that soldiers are more protected when fewer of them are in the vehicle, but their effectiveness in performing combat tasks remains high. The risk to soldiers is also reduced due to high mobility and the ability to fire on the move, which gives a tactical advantage in battle.
- Do you assume that the practical combat experience of using these systems may require improvements?
- First of all, one of the biggest challenges for everyone is integrating detection tools, drones, and command decision systems into the artillery system. We are getting closer to this and are happy to be in constant contact with the Ukrainian army. So, there will certainly be a digital upgrade soon.
In addition to digitalization and tactical aspects, we’ve learned other lessons and expect there will be requirements for other specific modifications, but not global changes.

- With the RCH 155 self-propelled artillery, Ukraine has surpassed Germany, Switzerland, the UK, and Italy. The first new German wheeled self-propelled howitzer RCH 155 was handed over to Ukraine in January during a ceremony at the KNDS facility in Kassel, with the participation of the German Minister of Defense, Boris Pistorius, and Ukrainian Ambassador, Oleksii Makeiev. This is the first of 54 RCH 155 units ordered by Germany for Ukraine. How long will it take to produce all of these systems?
- The production of the new machine takes between two and two and a half years. These are the timeframes. And I think we’ve demonstrated to Ukraine that we are moving quickly. We made the first machine from start to finish in two years. Of course, I personally wanted to do it faster, but the system works as it works.
- Does government funding from either Ukraine or Germany support KNDS’s projects in Ukraine? Is state support needed?
- Yes, of course, we need orders. We need jobs at our factories. We need good cooperation in a transparent legal and political environment. That is our stance. I don’t like to constantly use the term “win-win situation,” but when we have a partnership, we want to participate in the success of our partners. We want to contribute to the success of the state because that’s how we see it.

KNDS is a commercial company, so the joint venture is also commercial. This means we are obligated to be effective. And, of course, we need funds. What we can do with our own resources, we do with investments. But when it comes to actual work, we need financing. It could come from the European Union, or from Germany, or from Ukraine. It depends on who is interested and who wants it. We see that Germany is keeping its commitments. The financing will come from Germany. That’s our expectation.
We also understand that the Ukrainian industry is working for defense needs. The state has funds for companies that ensure defense capabilities. And I believe the team will also be able to use these funds. And if a new development is created, then the question is how such a project will fit into the European or intergovernmental framework, or if it will be part of a national program. We’ll see.

But we are already successfully working for the Ukrainian army. And that’s the most important thing. If we set aside the commercial interest, we must say that we are truly interested in helping Ukraine. I have seen soldiers training on Gepards, I have seen officers talking about the situation at the front. And this is one of the most emotional and important requests. That’s why projects in Ukraine are different from those in other countries.
Interviewed by Serhiy Zgurets, Defense Express
Read more: KNDS Reveals Date of First RCH 155 Arriving in Ukraine: German Howitzer for a Crew of Two