German UGV maker ARX expands into Poland’s defense market

German unmanned ground vehicle maker ARX Robotics is expanding into Poland, the company announced September 9, its fourth national market as it grows across Europe.

ARX plans to invest tens of millions of euros in Poland over the coming years, starting with a Polish legal entity followed by a permanent headquarters and dedicated training and maintenance facilities, the company said. It aims to create a number of skilled jobs by the end of the decade as the Polish operation grows.

The company announced the move at the MSPO defense exhibition in Kielce, Poland, which runs September 8 to 11.

“Poland is on the frontline of Europe’s security and is showing the seriousness, speed and industrial ambition Europe now needs,” said Marc Wietfeld, CEO and co-founder of ARX Robotics. “In light of increased Russian aggression towards our friends and allies along NATO’s eastern flank, we believe the time is right to deepen our commitment to Poland.”

“As our fourth market, Poland is an important step in our company’s growth,” Wietfeld said. “We want to build long-term capability here, support Polish Armed Forces and become part of Poland’s defense industrial base. Our experience in Ukraine has shown how quickly modern warfare is evolving, and we want to bring those lessons closer to Polish and NATO forces and help strengthen deterrence where it matters most.”

ARX did not name the three other European countries where it already operates, though the company said Poland gives it an active presence in three of Europe’s five largest defense markets, in addition to its work in Ukraine.

Munich-based ARX was founded in 2021 by former German Armed Forces members Marc Wietfeld and Stefan Röbel. Its main product is the GEREON family of unmanned ground vehicles, tracked robots that can carry loads of up to 500 kg (1,100 pounds) at speeds up to 30 km/h (19 mph) and a range of 40 km (25 miles). The vehicles are built for tasks including reconnaissance, casualty evacuation and battlefield logistics, jobs meant to keep soldiers out of direct danger.

ARX has deployed GEREON systems with Ukrainian forces at scale, and the company says its work there, including direct feedback from troops on the front line, feeds into how it develops systems for NATO and other European militaries. In July, German engine maker Deutz and ARX began serial production of GEREON vehicles in Ulm, Germany, with the first units bound for Ukraine.

The company’s systems have also been tested by the armed forces of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary and Estonia, according to previous company statements. ARX raised 9 million euros in seed funding in 2024 in a round led by NATO’s Innovation Fund.