Rolls-Royce has secured a major contract from KNDS to deliver mtu MB 873 Ka-501 engines for European Leopard 2 main battle tanks. The supply agreement includes more than 300 powerful propulsion units that will be integrated into Leopard 2 fleets operated by Germany, Sweden, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic. The order aligns with ongoing modernization initiatives across Europe as nations expand their heavy armor capabilities.
According to Rolls-Royce, the deliveries will be handled by its Power Systems division starting in 2026. The company has reported substantial growth in demand for military engines, with government acquisition programs now contributing a quarter of annual revenue for the division. The Leopard 2 engine contract adds to a rising trend in large-scale defense propulsion orders driven by increased European rearmament.
The MB 873 Ka-501 is a high-performance, liquid-cooled, 12-cylinder diesel engine producing roughly 1,500 horsepower. Designed for intensive armored operations, it provides the Leopard 2 with impressive mobility, enabling speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour and an operational driving range of about 340 kilometers. Its reliability has made it a long-standing propulsion choice for one of the world’s most widely used main battle tanks.
With this order, European armies stand to benefit from improved logistical consistency and long-term sustainment of their Leopard 2 fleets. The enhanced propulsion support is expected to play a key role in ensuring readiness and reinforcing NATO’s collective defense posture across the region.
