On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the German company Rolls-Royce Power Systems (part of Rolls-Royce Solutions GmbH, which belongs to the British Rolls-Royce group) announced that it had signed a contract with the Bundeswehr procurement authority, BAAINBw (Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr), to develop an integrated power-pack propulsion system for the next-generation tank under the MGCS (Main Ground Combat System) program.
Images: Rolls-Royce Power Systems
Rolls-Royce Power Systems, in cooperation with ZF Friedrichshafen AG, is developing the world’s first hybrid propulsion system for heavy military vehicles. The power pack is to consist of a newly developed 10-cylinder 10V199 diesel engine, derived from the 199 series, with work on it first disclosed in March 2025.
According to the assumptions, compared to the MTU MB 873 Ka-501 used in the Leopard 2 tank, the new power unit is expected to generate the same output of 1,500 hp (1,103 kW) with a displacement of approximately 27 liters (compared to 47.6 liters in the older solution). However, if required by the customer, output could be increased to around 1,900 hp (1,400 kW) in a hybrid configuration. The engine is intended to be multi-fuel, with optimized combustion, higher power density, and improved thermal efficiency.
According to the manufacturer, initial tests indicate further potential for the power-pack concept: the newly developed electrified ZF eLSG 5000 transmission with continuously variable gearing enhances maneuverability and efficiency. Another innovation is the hybrid cooling system. Combined with an adaptively controlled engine, it significantly improves overall performance. At the same time, the propulsion system remains compact and features favorable size and weight characteristics.
“Europe needs a strong and reliable defence architecture to secure its defence capabilities in the long-term. Our propulsion system is a robust and powerful building block for this, designed for current and future mission profiles. It strengthens the operational capabilities of European armed forces, increases operational reliability and, at the same time, helps to anchor technological expertise and industrial value creation in Europe in the long-term,” said Dr Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG.
“With the Main Ground Combat System, the European partner nations are investing in modern defense technology and also in the long-term stability and ability to act of a defensive democracy in Europe,” said ZF Board of Management member Andreas Moser. “We are proud to make an important contribution to a compact and powerful drive module with an innovative, electrified powershift transmission to give the vehicles the necessary mobility and responsiveness.”
The first power pack prototypes are expected to be tested before the end of this decade, with serial production potentially beginning in the early 2030s.
The 10V199 engine is to be derived from the aforementioned 199 series, which includes the 6-cylinder 6V199 powering TPz Fuchs 2, Piranha V, and ACSV G5 armored vehicles, as well as the 8-cylinder 8V199 used in infantry fighting vehicles such as the GTK Boxer, ASCOD 2 (including Ajax), and Borsuk, as well as the M10 Booker light tank. The latter is also being offered – together with Germany’s FFG Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft and ZF Friedrichshafen AG –for the re-engining of Leopard 1 tanks. Thanks to shared components and common maintenance and servicing concepts across the 199 series, the introduction of the 10V199 is expected to generate cost savings for users. This is further supported by the engine family’s proven track record, with more than 4,500 units of the 199 series in service worldwide.
The ZF eLSG 5000 is an electrified transmission with a continuously variable steering system, designed for heavy tracked armored vehicles. The system integrates modern technologies for propulsion, braking, steering, and energy recovery within a compact housing, also offering assist and recuperation capabilities.
The integrated electromechanical transmission will enhance maneuverability and energy efficiency of heavy tracked vehicles. A new, highly efficient cooling system concept will further improve performance and operational range by reducing energy losses.
For users, this translates into greater maneuvering precision, improved agility, and significantly simplified operation. Additionally, the integrated generator will enable the powering of additional electrical systems, reducing operating time – for example, in silent watch mode.
It remains unclear how the power-pack contract for MGCS will relate to the December 29, 2024 contract with KNDS Deutschland (part of the Franco-German joint venture KNDS) for the development of a new propulsion system for Leopard 2 tanks under the codename Olymp. Interestingly, according to media reports, Swiss company Liebherr is expected to act as a subcontractor. This is particularly notable given that on December 8, 2025, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is to deliver a batch of 300 MTU MB 873 Ka-501 diesel engines for Leopard 2A8 tanks.
Meanwhile, on April 10, 2025, the joint venture MGCS Project Company GmbH was established in Cologne as part of the German-French next-generation tank program, and its managing director was appointed.