A new phase in the development of the defense industry has begun in the German city of Ulm. Companies DEUTZ and ARX Robotics have announced the launch of industrial mass production of unmanned ground systems (UGS) named Gereon. This solution will be key to scaling the supply of military equipment to Eastern Europe.

According to information received by RBC-Ukraine from a DEUTZ press release, the launch of the assembly line is necessary to fulfill obligations to the Ukrainian side. The first batches of drones assembled at the Ulm plant are planned to be sent to Ukraine by the end of summer.

Strategic Partnership and European Defense

The decision to jointly manufacture was the result of a strategic alliance concluded between the Munich technology company ARX Robotics and the industrial giant DEUTZ. The partnership was formalized in October 2025 and is aimed at creating high-tech software-controlled ground systems.

Marco Gerre, General Director of the DEUTZ Defense Division, emphasized the importance of this step for regional security. According to him, increasing capacity in Ulm makes a significant contribution to strengthening European defense policy through direct support for Ukraine.

Technological Synergy: From Engines to Artificial Intelligence

The essence of the cooperation goes beyond simple logistical interaction. The partnership implies deep technical integration:

  • Power units: ARX Robotics unmanned systems are equipped with DEUTZ engines. At the initial stage, this refers to battery electric drives, ensuring high maneuverability and quiet operation. In the future, the implementation of compact internal combustion engines and hybrid power units is planned to increase the range.
  • Software: The companies are developing a special interface that will combine the ARX Robotics Mithra OS software platform, based on artificial intelligence, with DEUTZ power units. This will allow the creation of a single control loop where the robot's "brain" is synchronized with its "heart".

Production launch is scheduled for the coming weeks. It is expected that this will significantly increase the production volumes of Gereon equipment, which has already proven itself as an effective solution for modern tasks on the battlefield.

Context: Pan-European Protection

The development of ground unmanned systems within the framework of this partnership is taking place against the backdrop of deepening military cooperation between Germany and Ukraine. Earlier, the parties announced the development of a common air defense system designed to protect the entire European continent. The new project will allow European countries to obtain a scarce capability to intercept ballistic missiles, creating a multi-layered defense system against modern threats.