Rolls-Royce has secured new orders to supply 350 mtu Series 199 engines for Boxer wheeled armoured vehicles used by the German Armed Forces and other international defense customers. The engines will be delivered to the Boxer manufacturing consortium, which includes major defense companies Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland.
The contract covers 8-cylinder mtu 8V199 engines designed to deliver between 530 and 600 kilowatts of power, supporting the operational mobility and performance requirements of modern military vehicles. Deliveries of the first vehicles equipped with these engines are expected to begin in the first half of 2026.
The Boxer armoured vehicle platform has been widely adopted by NATO member states and allied countries due to its modular design and operational flexibility. Built on an eight-wheeled drive module, the vehicle can accommodate different mission modules depending on operational requirements, resulting in multiple variants for different military applications.
The mtu Series 199 engines have played a central role in the Boxer program’s success. More than 2,000 Boxer vehicles ordered or already delivered worldwide are powered by the mtu 8V199 engine, highlighting the engine’s reliability and strong performance in demanding operational environments.
To date, Rolls-Royce has delivered over 4,500 engines from the mtu 199 series, making it one of the most successful military vehicle engine programs in its performance category. The engines are designed to deliver high power density while maintaining compact dimensions, making them suitable for both new vehicle platforms and modernization programs for existing fleets.
Rolls-Royce is also expanding the mtu 199 engine family to meet evolving defense requirements. The company recently announced plans to introduce new variants, including a 10-cylinder engine producing up to 1,100 kW and a 12-cylinder version capable of generating more than 1,300 kW of power. These developments are aimed at supporting future high-performance military vehicles and next-generation defense platforms.
Defense officials note that modern armed forces increasingly require vehicles that offer greater mobility, flexibility, and operational efficiency. By expanding the mtu 199 engine family, Rolls-Royce aims to provide a versatile propulsion solution capable of supporting a wide range of military vehicles while simplifying logistics and spare parts management.
The modular engine design also allows for greater parts commonality across different platforms, making maintenance and supply chain management more efficient for defense operators.
