Rolls-Royce is Developing the mtu Series 199 Into a Powertrain Platform for Europe's Land Forces and Unveiling a New Hybrid Powertrain

June 11, 2026

Rolls-Royce Power Systems will once again be among the largest exhibitors of military propulsion systems at Eurosatory in Paris, Europe’s leading defence exhibition, in 2026. From 15 to 19 June, the company will be showcasing its scalable platform for military land vehicles. On public display for the first time: a new hybrid propulsion system as the latest addition to the mtu Series 199. Rolls-Royce Power Systems is thus consistently further developing its platform – from the engine family to integrated propulsion systems. In future, the company will cover all vehicle classes with a consistent architecture and demonstrate how military mobility is evolving to meet future requirements.

The security policy landscape is changing rapidly: armed forces must procure more vehicles, integrate more complex systems and keep their fleets operational more quickly. Against this backdrop, the mtu Series 199 is evolving into a comprehensive powertrain platform for military land vehicles in Europe and beyond.

Andreas Görtz, President of the Mobile & Sustainable Business Unit at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, said: Modern land forces need powertrains that can do more than just move vehicles. What is crucial are scalable systems with high power density, increasing electrical output and, where possible, standardised logistics across all vehicle classes. This is precisely why we developed the mtu 199 series – and we are taking this platform to the next technological level at Eurosatory 2026.”

A proven platform with a wide range of applications within the NATO alliance
The mtu 199 series has evolved into a scalable powertrain platform with four cylinder configurations, covering power ranges from 260 to 1,350 kW. This enables a standardised architecture for main battle tanks, armoured personnel carriers and transport vehicles – both in new vehicles and in the repowering of existing fleets. Many current and future platforms are already based on this architecture, including the Boxer, the ACSV multi-purpose platform, the Austrian-Spanish ASCOD and the Polish Borsuk.

This benefits armed forces and industry partners across Europe: through higher production volumes, better economies of scale and a platform that simplifies procurement, operation and collaboration across national borders. With more than 4,500 engines delivered and applications in 16 NATO countries, the 199 series is now widely established. At the same time, Rolls-Royce Power Systems offers more than just engines; it provides integrated propulsion systems: based on this proven platform, powerpack solutions are developed, such as those implemented for the Eitan or Fuchs 2 variants, amongst others. This is complemented by an established global logistics and service infrastructure, which ensures high availability of spare parts and reliable operational support.

Against a backdrop of increasing vehicle weights, growing electrical power requirements and parallel procurement and modernisation programmes – ranging from new armoured vehicle platforms to comprehensive upgrade programmes for existing systems – demand for high-performance, scalable propulsion solutions continues to rise significantly.

Defence business is growing structurally – through investment and industrial scaling
The defence business is a key growth driver for Rolls-Royce Power Systems and currently accounts for around a quarter of total revenue. This growth reflects a long-term realignment of the European security architecture, characterised by multi-year procurement programmes and rising defence budgets. The company is therefore making targeted investments in expanding its industrial capacity, modernising production sites and strengthening supply chains. Globally, a high three-figure million sum is being invested in scaling, efficiency and supply reliability.

The aim is to meet rising demand with high delivery reliability whilst bringing the next generation of propulsion systems into series production. In doing so, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is helping to strengthen the European defence industry – through scalable production, technological innovation and reliable delivery.

Source : Rolls-Royce