Rolls-Royce Power Systems Secures Another Major Defence Contract

March 26, 2026

Rolls-Royce Power Systems has secured one of the largest defence contracts in its history. The contract comprises around 200 new mtu PowerPacks featuring the 10V 890 engine for the Bundeswehr’s Puma infantry fighting vehicle. This reinforces the company’s role as a reliable technology partner to the Bundeswehr. Technical advancements ensure that the propulsion system operates reliably under the most demanding conditions. Delivery is scheduled to begin in 2028.

Dr Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG, said: This order sends a strong signal of confidence in our technology and our industrial capabilities. It marks another important milestone for Rolls-Royce Power Systems and underlines our role as a reliable partner to the German Armed Forces. At the same time, it demonstrates that we are scaling up in a targeted manner within a growing market – by expanding our production capacities, investing in modern manufacturing and continuing to build up our skilled workforce.”

The Puma is regarded as the Bundeswehr’s technological flagship. Around 350 vehicles, built by Rheinmetall and KNDS, have been in service since 2013. Knut Müller, Senior Vice President for Government Business at Rolls-Royce, said: “This order is a milestone. The Puma’s powerpack is unique in its compactness and power density – effectively the Formula 1 engine of tank propulsion systems. With the new powerpacks, we are making a significant contribution to the Bundeswehr’s operational readiness and modernisation, whilst at the same time strengthening European defence capabilities through scalable, proven technologies.”

The mtu PowerPack brings together everything that powers the Puma: the 10V 890, a highly compact ten-cylinder engine delivering 800 kilowatts of power and featuring an 11-litre displacement, new power electronics, an optimised cooling system, and the RENK HSWL 256 gearbox as the central element of the powertrain and driving dynamics. The system is complemented by further integrated subsystems. Another new feature is a coarse dust blower that reliably removes sand and fine particles from the airflow – a decisive advantage in desert regions and rough terrain. The system combines high performance, compactness and robustness: characteristics that have emerged from decades of experience in military propulsion technology.

Background: The Puma infantry fighting vehicle
The Puma is the Bundeswehr’s most advanced infantry fighting vehicle and is intended to replace the Marder in the long term. Developed by Rheinmetall and KNDS, it combines high levels of protection, modern sensor technology and excellent manoeuvrability. The mtu PowerPack weighs around 3.5 tonnes – just one-tenth of the total vehicle weight of up to 45 tonnes – and enables the vehicle to operate with agility in all climatic zones.

To reliably meet the growing demand in the defence sector, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is further expanding its production capacity: with new production lines, additional skilled staff and modern facilities that combine high output with proven quality.

Source : Rolls-Royce