La Spezia, October 30, 2026 – RENK Group AG, a leading provider of propulsion solutions for the military sector, is advancing the development of its HSWL 406 transmission, designed for the next generation of heavy tracked vehicles. At the same time, the company is pursuing opportunities for the transmission in international procurement programs, including Italy’s New Main Battle Tank (NMBT) program, which is being led by the joint venture Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles S.r.l. (LRMV).
Building on the establishment of RENK ITALIA in La Spezia and the strategic Memorandum of Understanding between RENK and Leonardo aimed at strengthening industrial and technological cooperation in land defense systems. RENK leverages its local presence and industrial partnerships to deliver next-generation mobility solutions for future combat vehicle programs in Italy as well. Through its HSWL 406 and HSWL 256C transmission programs, RENK is positioned to contribute advanced mobility technologies that support greater commonality, interoperability, and sustainment efficiency across future vehicle fleets.
Next-Generation Mobility for Future Battle Tank Programs
The HSWL 406 transmission is part of RENK's "NextGen Mobility" innovation agenda and intended for heavy tracked vehicles ranging from 50 to over 70 tons. It is being engineered to address the evolving performance, scalability and lifecycle requirements of future combat vehicle programs. The transmission architecture is designed to support power outputs of up to 1,400 kW, enable high-speed maneuverability in both forward and reverse operation, and accommodate different engine and vehicle configurations without requiring significant structural modifications to the platform.
Building on decades of experience in military vehicle mobility systems, the HSWL 406 combines advanced digitalization with a comprehensive digital system architecture and drive-by-wire functionalities, laying the foundation for future driver assistance capabilities and unmanned vehicle operations. Its modular architecture will also address the requirements of future battle tank programs while supporting greater interoperability, logistical commonality, and scalability across European defense fleets.
Localization and Industrial Partnership in Italy
"Italy is a key pillar of Europe's defense industrial base," said Sergio Rizzi, CEO of RENK ITALIA. "Building on our presence in La Spezia and our strategic cooperation with Leonardo, the HSWL 406 demonstrates RENK's commitment to bringing next-generation mobility technologies to future Italian and European land defense programs. We are investing in local capabilities, local partnerships and long-term support structures to create sustainable value for the Italian Armed Forces and the wider European defense ecosystem."
A key requirement of the NMBT program is the localization of a substantial share of industrial activities in Italy. Through RENK ITALIA, the RENK Group maintains a permanent presence in Italy and works closely with Italian industry partners, customers and stakeholders. RENK's localization concept includes technology transfer, project-specific licensing, the development of an Italian supplier network, and long-term aftermarket and operational support capabilities. Leveraging its global manufacturing network and modular production approach, RENK is well positioned to undertake local manufacturing, assembly, testing, maintenance, and lifecycle support activities for future Italian land defense programs, particularly NMBT and A2CS.
Italy has approved the first phase of funding for its future main battle tank program, which foresees the delivery of up to 290 units based on the KF-51 Panther platform to replace the Ariete main battle tank fleet. Together with the Army Armoured Combat System (A2CS) program, the NMBT forms part of a comprehensive modernization effort for the Italian Army and ranks among the most significant land defense initiatives currently underway in Europe.
About the RENK Group AG
Headquartered in Augsburg, Germany, RENK Group AG is a globally leading manufacturer of mission-critical propulsion solutions across diverse military and civil end markets. Our product portfolio includes gear units, transmissions, power-packs, hybrid propulsion systems, suspension systems, slide bearings, couplings & clutches and test systems. With this broad product portfolio RENK Group AG serves, in particular, customers in industries for military vehicles, naval, civil marine, and industrial applications focused on energy. In the fiscal year 2024, RENK Group AG generated revenue of EUR 1.14 billion. RENK Group AG has been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since February 7, 2024, and has been a member of the MDAX since March 24, 2025.
Disclaimer
This Press Release contains forward-looking statements that are based on plans, expectations, estimates and projections of the management of RENK Group as at the date of this Press Release. These plans, expectations, estimates and projections depend on a variety of assumptions and are subject to unforeseeable events, uncertainties, known and unknown risks as well as other factors that may cause actual results or the actual financial situation, development or performance to differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. RENK Group does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements or make adjustments to them to reflect events or developments occurring after the date of this Press Release unless obliged by statutory law.
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