Munich / Augsburg, July 9, 2025 – RENK Group AG, a leading provider of propulsion solutions for the military and civilian sectors, and ARX Robotics, a leading European DefenceTech start-up building a new generation defense prime in the land domain, today announced a strategic partnership aimed at shaping the future of autonomous defense mobility such as unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). Within the new strategic partnership, ARX Robotics will support RENK’s digital transformation as Software-Defined defense partner, while RENK will power the industrial growth and international expansion of ARX Robotics.
“This partnership unites RENK's expertise in high-performance mobility systems with the innovative robotics and software capabilities of ARX Robotics. Together, we aim to scale production, expand international reach, and advance autonomous functionalities,” said Dr. Alexander Sagel, CEO of RENK Group. “Europe must take responsibility for its defense capabilities, and a critical component of that is for industry leaders such as ourselves to join forces with pioneering startups. Together with ARX, we are paving the way for a new era of intelligent, autonomous solutions that will redefine the future of defense.”
“Today, defense companies are approaching a turning point where software, automation, and system interconnectivity will redefine what military capability means. With our partnership with RENK, we are unlocking new opportunities for scale and global reach with RENK’s industrial strength and established market presence,” said Marc Wietfeld, Co-Founder and CEO of ARX Robotics. “Our combined expertise will enable us to offer mission-ready, fully autonomous platforms that support military forces across the world.”
A Partnership Built on Complementary Strengths
Both companies joined forces to deliver advanced autonomous systems that enhance operational efficiency and provide real-time situational awareness for defense forces at industrial scale.The collaboration unites RENK’s leading global market position and sector-leading production expertise with ARX Robotics’ cutting-edge software Mithra OS. This AI-powered operating system enables the digital modernization of existing fleets – transforming legacy vehicles into intelligent, connected, and autonomous systems.
Internationalizing and Scaling Software-Defined Defense Solutions
As part of the collaboration, ARX Robotics and RENK will strategically explore and expand into new and emerging markets for autonomous solutions, with a particular focus on key regions where demand for advanced defense technologies is increasing. Thereby the collaboration will profit from RENK’s established global industrial footprint in key Western defense markets, strong customer relationships with more than 70 armies and 40 navies, and deep system expertise in mobility-related performance requirements for land and maritime platforms. This established market presence and access to key customers, political authorities, and local production expertise will ensure rapid deployment and scalability. Target markets include the USA, UK, France, Italy, India, and the Middle East — where modernization efforts and demand for autonomous capabilities are accelerating.
Industrializing Supply for the DefenceTech Demands of Tomorrow
The partnership between RENK and ARX Robotics reflects a shared belief that defense is becoming software-defined on the back of battle-proven systems. Together the two partners will develop the digital backbone for land systems, in order to ensure European Defense secures its independence. The collaboration goes beyond a single product, it’s about defining the future of unmanned mobility and sets the course for how AI, autonomy, and mobility will shape the future of European defense. The collaboration fosters autonomous defense systems that are ready for real-world deployment.
Both companies are committed to local production and supply chains adapting their solutions to the specific needs of each region, providing scalable, high-performance platforms that can be rapidly deployed. This includes exploring applications for larger autonomous vehicle classes such as Mithra OS for future naval applications, ensuring that the partnership remains at the forefront of autonomous technology development. RENK Group and ARX Robotics are also exploring further approaches to deepen their partnership by e.g. joint ventures and /or financial investments.
Catering to NATO's Strategic Priorities
This partnership aligns with NATO’s vision for technological innovation and industrial resilience. By combining RENK’s deep production expertise and the advanced software capabilities of ARX Robotics, the collaboration ensures the development of reliable, scalable technologies that enhance deterrence and safeguard the Alliance’s citizens.
About ARX Robotics
ARX Robotics focuses on the digital transformation of land forces and the development of autonomous unmanned systems. With the ARX Robotic Framework, an innovative approach combining software-enabled hardware and modular platform structure, ARX leverages the transformative potential of robotics and artificial intelligence to reshape the capabilities and capacities for land forces. Furthermore, ARX Robotics uses its operating system, MITHRA OS, to digitally transform and modernize existing vehicle fleets. Mithra OS enables legacy vehicles to be turned into intelligent, connected units by integrating AI, sensor systems, and software-defined autonomy. ARX’s systems and technologies are deployed in several European armed forces and are currently in use in Ukraine. For more information, visit www.arx-robotics.com.
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 Suspension Systems Suspension systems absorb shocks and ensure vehicle stability. , slide bearings Slide Bearings Slide bearings enable low-friction movement between fixed parts. , couplings Couplings Couplings connect two shafts to transmit torque. & clutches and test systems Test Systems Test systems assess technical components for function and durability. . 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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