Rolls-Royce wins major contract to power Germany’s Puma IFVs

Rolls-Royce Power Systems has secured a contract to supply 200 new mtu PowerPacks for the German Armed Forces’ Puma infantry fighting vehicle fleet. The 10-cylinder propulsion system will allow the vehicle to reach speeds of up to 70 km/h and a range of 600 kilometers.

Each PowerPack includes enhanced cooling systems, updated power electronics, and a 10V 890 engine delivering more than 1,000 horsepower. Berlin is expected to begin receiving the systems in 2028, according to a press statement by the contractor.

Rolls-Royce Power Systems, a German firm owned by the British parent company Rolls-Royce Holdings, said the deal is among its largest military orders to date and underscores Germany’s continued reliance on its defense technologies for high-performance operations.

“This order sends a strong signal of confidence in our technology and our industrial capabilities,” said Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

“The Puma’s powerpack is unique in its compactness and power density — effectively the Formula 1 engine of tank propulsion systems,” said Knut Müller, SVP for government business at Rolls-Royce.

“With the new powerpacks, we are making a significant contribution to the Bundeswehr’s operational readiness and modernisation, whilst at the same time strengthening European defence capabilities through scalable, proven technologies.”

The propulsion contract follows Germany’s investment of more than $4 billion to procure additional Puma vehicles for its military.

Developed through a joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS, the program includes 200 platforms, each equipped with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ Spike LR anti-tank guided missile.

 Currently, Berlin operates around 350 Puma IFVs, most of which have been in service since 2013.

By Nazrin Sadigova