On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, Germany’s RENK Group announced the market launch of the ESM 280 automatic transmission for heavy wheeled vehicles, marking its entry into the armored vehicle market. Its world premiere will take place at the Eurosatory 2026 exhibition in Paris, scheduled for June 15–19.
Photo: RENK Group
“With the ESM 280, we are bringing decades of experience from tracked vehicle programs into the wheeled armored vehicle market,” said Arnaud de Péchy, Président RENK France S.A.S. “Unlike adapted civilian transmissions, the ESM 280 is purpose-built for military operations delivering sustained performance under extreme loads, superior maneuverability, and long-term independence from civilian technology cycles.”
Designed for medium and heavy military platforms with engines rated at up to 843 hp, or 620 kW, and a combat weight of up to 40 metric tons, the ESM 280 brings main battle tank technology to wheeled vehicles. At its core is a range pack based on the proven ESM 350 transmission model, used, among others, in PT-91M Pendekar tanks, providing high performance, durability, and operational reliability in demanding conditions.
Designed from the ground up for military applications, the system enables continuous operation in extreme conditions, uninterrupted tractive power, and rapid maneuvering under load. At the same time, its compact design allows seamless integration with existing platforms without the need for structural modifications.
The ESM 280 is a purpose-built solution for military applications with a life cycle of up to 40 years, ensuring long-term operation and independence from civilian platform cycles. This provides maximum flexibility in international programs.
Visitors to Eurosatory 2026 will be able to view a detailed 3D-printed model of the ESM 280 at RENK’s stand, J280, in Hall 6.
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