Rolls-Royce receives major order to supply more than 300 Leopard 2 engines

Alert

Manufacturer KNDS has ordered more than 300 mtu MB 873 engines from Rolls-Royce to power new Leopard 2 battle tanks.
  • Tank manufacturer KNDS orders mtu Series 873 engines for new battle tanks to equip several land forces in Europe
  • Proven engine for one of the world's best battle tanks
  • Supply of complete drive systems and spare parts secured for the long term
  • Tense security situation leads to significantly more orders for military engines

Rolls-Royce has received a major order from defence company KNDS to supply more than 300 mtu MB 873 Ka-501 engines for new Leopard 2 battle tanks. The drive systems are intended for vehicles that several European countries, including Germany, Lithuania, Sweden, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic, have ordered from KNDS for their armies. Delivery is already planned for 2026.

Dr Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG, said:

Select Tabs

This order is not only one of the largest of its kind in recent decades, but also reflects the challenging security situation we find ourselves in. We have recently significantly expanded our capacity for the development and production of urgently needed mtu drive systems for military vehicles and will continue to expand it significantly in order to contribute to improving security in Europe and around the world.”

The changed threat situation has led to a significant increase in demand for mtu engines and drive systems from Rolls-Royce. The share of government business, which largely comprises supplying the armies of Germany, NATO and allied countries, contributed a quarter of Rolls-Royce's Power Systems division's turnover last year.

Knut Müller, Senior Vice President for Government Business at Rolls-Royce, said:

Select Tabs

The large order volume for our mtu engines reflects the high level of confidence that European land forces have in this vehicle. Not least because of its integrated and extremely reliable mtu drive system, the Leopard 2 continues to be regarded as the benchmark for heavy combat vehicles. It therefore goes without saying that both the complete Series 873 drive and the necessary spare parts will continue to be available in the future for as long as is necessary for the operation of the immense Leopard fleet. At the same time, our developers are working on drive systems for the armoured land vehicles of the future and increasing the performance of existing drives in order to meet the armies' growing demands on modern combat vehicles.”

Manufacturer KNDS has ordered more than 300 mtu MB 873 engines from Rolls-Royce to power new Leopard 2 battle tanks.

In mid-November, KNDS presented the first examples of the latest model variant of the Leopard 2, the 2A8, in the presence of German Defense Secretary Boris Pistorius. Among other things, it features new armour and improved drone protection.

Rolls-Royce creates new engine family for military land vehicles

Rolls-Royce is significantly expanding its existing portfolio of drive systems for military land vehicles. This includes the expansion of the successful and proven mtu 199 series with new variants with up to twelve cylinders and over 1,300 kW of power for new vehicles and repowering.

Press photos are available for download at Media Centre (mtu-solutions.com).

About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Rolls-Royce moves the world: the company develops state-of-the-art energy and propulsion systems that connect, protect and advance people. Whether in the air, on water or on land, Rolls-Royce solutions meet the growing energy needs of an increasingly connected world. They support governments in equipping their armed forces with technology and supply efficient technologies for industry, aviation and shipping.

The group also includes Rolls-Royce Power Systems, based in Friedrichshafen. Under the mtu brand, the company offers innovative solutions for energy and propulsion technology, including high-speed engines and systems for ships, heavy land and rail vehicles, and military applications. The portfolio ranges from advanced diesel and gas engines to battery solutions and integrated energy systems for safety-critical applications, continuous power supply, combined heat and power, and microgrids. With more than 10,000 employees worldwide, Power Systems is actively driving the energy transition.

Rolls-Royce is now represented in 48 countries and supplies customers in over 100 countries. These include airlines, leasing companies, armed forces, and industrial and marine customers. Through a multi-year transformation programme, the company is strengthening its competitiveness, resilience and future viability – and creating the financial freedom to develop sustainable technologies in a targeted manner and bring them to market maturity.

As of 31 December 2024, Rolls-Royce plc achieved annual sales of approximately €21 billion* (£17.8 billion) and adjusted operating profit of approximately €2.9 billion (£2.46 billion). The shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69).

*Figures in euros are for information purposes only, converted at a constant exchange rate (exchange rate factor 1.1812). The figures in British pounds sterling are binding.

More at: www.rolls-royce.com

News and stories

Our alert service delivers the latest press releases, stories and regulatory news directly to your mailbox

Contacts

Can we help? Contact a member of our press team for more information