The Ministry of Defense is now behind the new military equipping industry. President Luis Abinader inaugurated the first phase of a state-of-the-art vehicle assembly plant on Thursday, 1 May 2025, marking a revival for the government’s military industry. The Ministry of Defense described the plant as a technological advancement, institutional strengthening, and the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to national development.
“Today is a day of affirmation and rebirth,” said President Luis Abinader during the ceremony. “We stand on land steeped in symbolism and valor: San Cristóbal, birthplace of the Dominican Republic’s first Constitution and epicenter of the patriotic spirit that has shaped our national identity since 1844.”
The President emphasized the project’s commitment to strategic self-sufficiency, efficient public spending, and intelligent utilization of national resources.
“Let me not overlook a fact that fills us with enthusiasm: this industry, in less than two years, will generate over 400 jobs. This is not by chance; it’s the result of careful planning, visionary leadership, and above all, love for our country,” Abinader stated.
Capable of producing up to 400 ambulances annually, the plant is strategically positioned to enhance the national health system’s response capabilities and increase the state’s self-sufficiency in equipment and logistics.
Defense Minister Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre announced that the plant has already received orders for 50 ambulances for the National Emergency System 9-1-1 and 20 for RD-Vial, with initial deliveries beginning next week. The facility will also assemble level three armored vehicles, prisoner transport units, and value carriers, while providing technical maintenance for existing fleets.
The plant promises significant savings for the state, with each unit produced representing a cost reduction of over 25% compared to purchasing them. Additionally, efforts are underway to restore school chair and metal cabinet production lines for the national education system and the Armed Forces.
In the textile sector, military uniform production has increased from 23,490 to 40,230 units annually, a surge of 71%. With new production lines set to be installed within the next 90 days, the goal is to reach 64,800 uniforms by 2025 and surpass 100,000 units by 2026, achieving an estimated savings of 23% per garment.
The plant’s economic impact extends to the local community, creating 47 direct jobs in just four months of operation, with projections for over 400 new positions within the next 18 months. The facility also houses one of the Armed Forces’ Vocational Schools, enrolling over 5,000 students in various technical programs. The curriculum is being redesigned to align academic training with the plant’s productive areas, ensuring employment opportunities for graduates.
Read more in Spanish:
Ministry of Defense
7 Dias
6 May 2025