Rolls-Royce logs order for more than 300 Leopard battle tank engines

Rolls-Royce Power Systems has received an order from defence company KNDS for over 300 engines for Leopard 2 battle tanks, the Germany-based company said on Monday.

The MTU engines are to be installed in tanks set to be delivered to Germany, Sweden, Lithuania, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic, among others, the manufacturer said.

Delivery is scheduled to begin as early as next year.

"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," Jorg Stratmann, chief executive of Rolls-Royce Power Systems, was quoted as saying in a press release.

"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."

Germany's Leopard 2 is considered one of the best combat vehicles in the world.

German-French defence contractor KNDS unveiled a new model a few weeks ago, the Leopard 2A8, which is equipped with a protective system from Israeli manufacturer Rafael designed to destroy incoming projectiles and drones before they hit.

The military division of Rolls-Royce Power Systems supplies the armies of Germany, NATO and allied countries, and accounts for around a quarter of total turnover.

Sales at the engine maker, which is owned by Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC, soared past EUR5 billion in 2024.