Rolls-Royce Power Systems has secured a major contract to supply propulsion systems for the German Army’s Puma infantry fighting vehicle, including around 200 mtu PowerPacks, according to the company.
The order, described as one of the largest in the company’s history, will see deliveries begin in 2028 and includes upgraded systems built around the mtu 10V 890 engine. The contract supports the Bundeswehr’s efforts to enhance operational readiness and modernise its armoured fleet.
The PowerPack integrates the engine, transmission and supporting subsystems into a compact unit designed for high performance in demanding conditions. Rolls-Royce said the updated configuration includes improved cooling, new power electronics and features such as a dust filtration system intended to support operations in harsh environments.
“This order sends a strong signal of confidence in our technology and our industrial capabilities,” said Dr Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems. “It marks another important milestone… and underlines our role as a reliable partner to the German Armed Forces.”
The Puma, developed by Rheinmetall and KNDS, is the Bundeswehr’s primary infantry fighting vehicle and has been in service since 2013. Around 350 vehicles are currently in use, with the platform intended to replace the older Marder fleet over time.
Rolls-Royce said the mtu PowerPack delivers 800 kilowatts of power from a compact ten-cylinder engine, forming part of a system designed to balance mobility, protection and reliability. The company added that it is expanding production capacity, including new manufacturing lines and workforce growth, to meet increasing demand in the defence sector.
Should the UK be considering this for its IVFT? I know this vehicle has had some teething issues, but knowing our German pals, they have sorted them by now. Does anyone know the German Army’s mixed fleet numbers for Boxer/Puma?
Slightly complicated Answer;
Germany looks to be getting nearly 600 Boxers when the order is complete, with 450 in the APC role and 120 in a Combat Recce Vehicle Variant (plus another 150 or so RCH-155s), which will primarily equip the 5 Jaeger Battalions, and support the 7 Recce Battalions (along with Fennek), 3 Mountain Infantry Battalions and 2 Parachute Regiments.
Puma, ther are a little shy of 400 in service, with another 200 on order, to equip the 9 Panzergrenadier Battalions, but there’s also about 300 Marder I’s in service, and open question what will happen with those, as Puma orders continue.
There’s also at least 200 CAVS have been bought, with a firm target of 800, and a potential target of about 3,000.
Thank you Dern for the data.
We couldn’t afford it, it’s very expensive. 25million + each best I can tell. A CV90 is about 10 and a Bradley about 6.
Maybe the Bradley is off the table due to Trump’s current purge on Starmer?
Bradley is off the table because it’s a warmed over design from the 1980’s that, while still good, is in the same position as a lot of Cold War tech: Only so much upgrade you can do with it. The US has been wanting to replace the Bradley since 2009, but as with a lot of American programs it keeps getting kicked into the long grass.
Maybe we’d get some second hand ones is the XM30 ever becomes a thing and the US gets rid of it’s Bradleys but tbh I don’t see the MoD going for American cast offs.