In a significant advancement for European military capabilities, KNDS has entered into a substantial contract with Rolls-Royce to supply mtu MB 873 Ka-501 engines for the Leopard 2 main battle tanks. This contract encompasses the delivery of over 300 propulsion systems, which will be integrated into tanks intended for various countries, including Germany, Lithuania, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic.
Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems division is slated to commence deliveries of these engines in 2026. This agreement comes against the backdrop of a notable increase in military engine orders, with government procurement constituting a quarter of the division’s turnover last year.
Dr. Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems, emphasized the order’s significance, describing it as one of the largest contracts of its kind in decades. He noted that it also underscores the current challenging security environment in Europe and beyond. To meet the urgent demand for military drive systems, Rolls-Royce has expanded its development and production capacity significantly, with plans for further enhancements to bolster security across the continent and globally.
The mtu MB 873 Ka-501 engine is a liquid-cooled, 12-cylinder diesel engine capable of delivering around 1,500 horsepower. In its application within the Leopard 2, the engine facilitates impressive road speeds of approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) per hour, with an operational range of 340 kilometers (211 miles).
Knut Müller, senior vice president of government business at Rolls-Royce, remarked on the recent order’s implications for European land forces, highlighting the high level of trust placed in the mtu propulsion systems. He described the Leopard 2 as the “benchmark for heavy combat vehicles,” a status attributed largely to its exceptionally reliable engine technology.
Müller further assured that the complete Series 873 drive and the requisite spare parts will remain accessible as long as necessary to support the extensive Leopard fleet. Looking to the future, he mentioned that Rolls-Royce’s developers are actively working on drive systems for next-generation armored vehicles while also enhancing the performance of existing engines to meet the evolving demands of modern combat scenarios.
