Rheinmetall Launches U.S.-Funded Project to Speed Up Battlefield Repairs in Ukraine
German defense manufacturer Rheinmetall is set to accelerate the repair and restoration of Bradley infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine under a new $31 million U.S. Department of Defense contract. The project will test innovative field repair techniques inspired by Ukraine’s own wartime experience.
The Gaze reports this referring to Defence Express, citing Rheinmental’s statement.
The agreement, awarded to American Rheinmetall, the U.S. subsidiary of Germany’s Rheinmetall, will run for 18 months and aims to develop and demonstrate advanced methods for rapid damage assessment and battlefield-level repairs.
“This contract underscores American Rheinmetall’s commitment to delivering innovative, mission-critical products and services that support the highest priority operational capabilities for the U.S. military and its allies,” stated Matt Warnick, Chief Executive Officer, American Rheinmetall. “We are helping ensure that vital equipment like the Bradley Fighting Vehicle can return to service quickly and safely at a time of crucial need for Ukrainian armed forces.”
According to Rheinmetall, the initiative also seeks to “bridge the gap between battlefield damage and full depot-level overhauls,” enabling faster recovery of combat vehicles even before spare parts or specialized teams arrive.
At the heart of the project is the Rapid Damage Assessment and Repair (DAR) Team, a specially trained mobile unit equipped with modern tools, adaptive logistics, and scalable maintenance systems.
These teams will be capable of operating closer to active combat zones, reducing downtime and improving the resilience and readiness of armored fleets.
Although the program’s completion is scheduled for March 2027, when the first refurbished Bradleys are expected, the company emphasizes that this phase marks the end of development rather than the operational tempo of individual repairs.
The initiative will be tested in Ukraine first, drawing from the country’s proven model of mobile armored repair teams that emerged during the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) and Joint Forces Operation (JFO).
These Ukrainian units, often deployed near front-line areas, have been key in keeping damaged equipment combat-ready without overburdening central repair facilities.
As The Gaze reported earlier, German defense giant Rheinmetall will deliver additional Skyranger 35 air defense systems to Ukraine, financed through proceeds from frozen Russian assets under a European initiative to strengthen Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
Read more on The Gaze: Rheinmetall in Ukraine: From Ammunition Plant to Strategic Partnership