PARIS, — June 16, 2026 : Finnish defense company Patria and German transmission manufacturer RENK Group have unveiled a new unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) concept based on the TRACKX tracked platform at the Eurosatory 2026 defense exhibition in Paris.
Presented as a full-scale mock-up, the vehicle combines Patria’s TRACKX platform with RENK’s HSWL 076 drive-by-wire transmission, demonstrating a common architecture that can support both crewed and uncrewed operations. The concept is intended for missions in high-risk environments while reducing the exposure of military personnel to battlefield threats.
TRACKX Platform Adapted for Unmanned Operations
The UGV is based on Patria’s TRACKX platform, which was first introduced at the DSEI exhibition in London in September 2025 as a modern replacement for aging armored personnel carriers such as the M113.
In its standard configuration, TRACKX is a 13–18 metric-ton tracked armored personnel carrier capable of carrying a two-person crew and up to ten troops. For the unmanned version displayed at Eurosatory, the troop compartment has been replaced by sensors, communications equipment, and autonomous systems while retaining the same chassis and mobility characteristics.
The vehicle features wide rubber tracks, independently adjustable hydropneumatic suspension, and a nearly flat hull bottom designed to improve mobility across snow, bogs, forests, and roads. TRACKX can exceed 80 km/h and has an operational range of up to 500–600 kilometers. The platform is also amphibious, with a swimming speed of approximately 4 km/h.
Power is provided by a Caterpillar 7.1-liter six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing around 360 horsepower.
RENK's HSWL 076 Drive-by-Wire Transmission
The unmanned vehicle incorporates RENK’s HSWL 076 transmission, developed for vehicles in the 10–20 tonne class.
The system supports up to 300 kW of input power and integrates steering, braking, and mobility functions into a compact digital architecture. Using drive-by-wire technology, traditional mechanical and hydraulic controls are replaced with electronic signals, enabling remote operation and future autonomous functions.
RENK stated that the transmission is safety-certified, including ECE R79 and ECE R13 approvals, providing a certified foundation for digitally controlled military vehicles. The drivetrain has also been designed to support future hybrid propulsion and autonomous capabilities.
Influence of the War in Ukraine
The development of heavy unmanned ground vehicles has been influenced by lessons from the war in Ukraine, where unmanned systems are increasingly being used for reconnaissance, logistics, casualty evacuation, and other high-risk missions.
Patria President and CEO Panu Routila said the conflict has demonstrated the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare. He noted that Patria provides the vehicle platform while RENK contributes the digital transmission technology, creating greater commonality between crewed and uncrewed vehicle fleets.
Because the drivetrain is designed to accept digital commands directly, the platform can support both remote operation and higher levels of autonomy as software technologies continue to mature.
RENK Group CEO Dr. Alexander Sagel said future land operations will increasingly depend on digitally enabled and scalable vehicle architectures and described the project as an example of European defense cooperation supporting the development of unmanned capabilities.
Future Development
The TRACKX-based UGV concept highlights a common-platform approach that allows military operators to field both crewed and uncrewed variants while simplifying logistics, maintenance, and training.
Patria is also displaying crewed TRACKX variants at Eurosatory 2026, including configurations integrated with the NEMO mortar system. The company plans to begin serial production of the TRACKX platform in 2027.
The unmanned vehicle concept will remain on display at Eurosatory 2026 until the exhibition concludes on June 19.
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