FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany — March 27, 2026 : Rolls-Royce Power Systems has secured a major defense contract to supply approximately 200 mtu PowerPacks for the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) Puma infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), marking one of the largest orders in the company’s history. Deliveries of the propulsion systems are scheduled to begin in 2028.
The contract follows the German government’s late 2025 procurement of an additional 200 Puma IFVs as part of broader efforts to strengthen military readiness and modernize armored forces. The vehicles are developed and manufactured by PSM Project System & Management GmbH, a joint venture between Rheinmetall Landsysteme and KNDS Deutschland.
Contract Context and Industrial Significance
The agreement reinforces Rolls-Royce Power Systems’ long-standing role as a key technology partner to the Bundeswehr and reflects sustained growth in European defense demand. The expansion of armored vehicle fleets across Europe has driven increased investment in propulsion systems, production capacity, and supply chain resilience.
Company officials indicated that the order is aligned with ongoing industrial scaling initiatives, including new production lines, modernization of manufacturing facilities, and workforce expansion to meet higher output requirements while maintaining established quality standards.
Dr. Jörg Stratmann, Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Power Systems, said the contract demonstrates continued confidence in the company’s engineering capabilities and supports its targeted expansion within the defense sector.
Technical Configuration of the mtu PowerPack
The mtu PowerPack integrates multiple subsystems into a compact propulsion unit designed for high performance and operational durability across varied environments.
At its core is the mtu 10V 890 engine, an 11-litre, ten-cylinder diesel engine delivering 800 kilowatts (kW) of power. The system incorporates the RENK HSWL 256 transmission, which serves as the central element of the drivetrain.
Additional system features include modernized power electronics, an optimized cooling system, and a newly integrated coarse dust blower. The dust blower is designed to remove sand and fine particles from the airflow, improving reliability in desert conditions and other challenging operational environments.
The complete PowerPack weighs approximately 3.5 tonnes, accounting for less than 10 percent of the Puma IFV’s total weight of up to 45 tonnes. The compact design supports high power density while preserving vehicle mobility and maneuverability.
Knut Müller, Senior Vice President for Government Business at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, described the system as combining compactness with high output, contributing to operational readiness and scalability within European defense capabilities.
Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicle Platform
The Puma IFV is considered a central platform within the Bundeswehr’s mechanized forces and is intended as a long-term replacement for the legacy Marder infantry fighting vehicle.
Approximately 350 Puma vehicles have been in service since 2013. The platform integrates advanced armor protection, digital sensor systems, and modular design elements with a compact propulsion system to achieve a balance between protection, firepower, and mobility.
The addition of new vehicles under the latest procurement program is expected to expand the operational fleet and support modernization objectives across Germany’s land forces.
Production Expansion and Delivery Timeline
To fulfill the contract, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is increasing its production capacity through infrastructure upgrades and workforce expansion. The company is implementing new manufacturing lines and upgrading existing facilities to ensure consistent output levels and adherence to quality requirements.
Deliveries of the mtu PowerPacks are scheduled to commence in 2028, supporting the integration of propulsion systems into newly produced Puma IFVs under the Bundeswehr’s procurement program.
The contract forms part of a broader trend of increased defense spending across Europe, focused on improving readiness, enhancing equipment reliability, and upgrading legacy platforms with modern systems.
——— End of Article ———
