Rheinmetall, a prominent German arms manufacturer, intends to extend its footprint in Romania.
Rheinmetall, a leading German defence and mobility company, is expanding its footprint in Romania with a comprehensive local production network. The focus of this expansion is the manufacturing of Lynx infantry fighting vehicles and medium-caliber ammunition [1][2][3].
The cornerstone of this expansion is Rheinmetall Automecanica SRL, a subsidiary formed after Rheinmetall acquired a majority stake (72.5%) in Automecanica Mediaș S.R.L. in 2025. This Romanian company specializes in manufacturing special vehicles, equipment for trucks, and trailers for both civil and military markets [4]. Rheinmetall Automecanica SRL is now responsible for the local production and maintenance of Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicles, aiming to minimize reliance on external suppliers through a robust supply chain in Romania [1][2][3].
In parallel, Rheinmetall Munitions Romania produces medium-caliber ammunition for infantry fighting vehicles and air defense systems. Meanwhile, the Victoria Explosive Powder Factory, in partnership with Rheinmetall, manufactures propellants (powder charges) for Rheinmetall's ammunition production [1][2][4].
Rheinmetall's investment in Automecanica Medias is expected to create hundreds of jobs in various sectors. The company is also establishing partnerships with key Romanian companies, including Uzina Automecanica Moreni, Interactive Software SRL, and MarcTel-SIT, to promote local procurement, assembly, and integration of Romanian expertise [2][4].
The Rheinmetall Excellence Center in Romania serves as a training and knowledge-transfer hub, equipped with advanced simulators and programs to provide Romanian employees hands-on experience and technical skills related to operation, maintenance, and development of advanced defense technology, especially concerning the Lynx infantry fighting vehicles [1][2][4].
This expansion not only strengthens Rheinmetall’s manufacturing footprint in Romania but also aligns with broader European defense sovereignty goals by localizing production, reducing external dependencies, and supporting Romania’s military modernization within NATO and EU frameworks [3]. Rheinmetall Automecanica SRL, the new name for Automecanica Medias, is headquartered in Medias, Romania.
Cooperation with Automecanica Medias is part of Rheinmetall's efforts to boost local supply chains and promote industrial growth in Romania. Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH holds a 72.5% stake in Rheinmetall Automecanica SRL. Rheinmetall Automecanica's activities will contribute significantly to the Romanian economy.
References:
[1] Rheinmetall. (n.d.). Rheinmetall continues to expand its presence in Romania. Rheinmetall. Retrieved from https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/media/press-releases/article/2022/rheinmetall-continues-to-expand-its-presence-in-romania
[2] Rheinmetall. (n.d.). Rheinmetall Romania. Rheinmetall. Retrieved from https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/countries/romania
[3] Defense News. (2022, March 9). Rheinmetall expands in Romania with Lynx production site. Defense News. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/land/2022/03/09/rheinmetall-expands-in-romania-with-lynx-production-site/
[4] Rheinmetall. (n.d.). Rheinmetall Automecanica SRL. Rheinmetall. Retrieved from https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/countries/romania/rheinmetall-automecanica-srl
Technology and sports can be integrated in the training programs at Rheinmetall's Excellence Center in Romania, as advanced simulators and programs could be used to simulate various combat scenarios, similar to virtual sports environments. The athletes from Romania's national sports teams, such as football or tennis, could be invited to participate in team-building exercises using these simulators, thereby fostering unity and cooperation between the defense sector and sports community in Romania.
