Rolls-Royce Military Vehicles: Rolls-Royce is supplying around 350 engines for new Boxer armoured vehicles that will be used by the German Armed Forces and other countries. These engines come from the mtu Series 199 line and will be fitted into vehicles built by Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland. Each engine has eight cylinders and can produce either 530 or 600 kilowatts of power. The first of these vehicles is expected to be delivered in the first half of 2026. At the same time, Rolls-Royce is growing this engine series into a full family of engines that can go beyond 1,300 kilowatts.
“The new orders show that a new era is dawning in our industry,” said Dr Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG. “Today’s armed forces need greater mobility, flexibility and performance – and we are rising to this challenge. With the expanded mtu Series 199, we offer a universal drive concept that meets current and future requirements. Our aim remains to be a partner that takes responsibility and offers decisive solutions that meet the needs of the troops.”
Long Partnership With the Boxer Vehicle
The Boxer armoured vehicle and the mtu Series 199 engine have worked well together for many years. More engine orders were added in 2025, taking the total number of 8V199 engines ordered to about 400 in 2025. The Boxer vehicle is built in a smart way. It has an eight-wheel drive base and different mission modules can be added on top depending on the job it needs to do.
Because of this, many versions of the Boxer have been made for armies in Europe and other parts of the world. Even though the versions are different, they all use the same engine. More than 2,000 Boxer vehicles ordered or already delivered are powered by mtu 8V199 engines.
Over 4,500 engines from the mtu 199 series have been delivered. This makes it the most successful engine program in its power class for military land vehicles used by NATO countries and their allies.
Bigger Engines for Future
To meet new military needs and tight defence budgets, Rolls-Royce is expanding the mtu 199 series even further. The company has announced upgrades to existing engines and is also working on new versions. This includes a 10-cylinder engine that can deliver up to 1,100 kilowatts and a 12-cylinder engine that can produce more than 1,300 kilowatts.
According to EDR Magazine, Knut Müller, Senior Vice President Government Business at Rolls-Royce, said: “Because many NATO countries and friendly nations are adapting their armed forces to the current threat situation, more and more powerful vehicles are needed. With our 199 family, we will in future offer a universal portfolio of engines ranging from 260 kW to over 1,300 kW, which fully meets the current requirements of the armed forces for a modern drive concept. This includes not only higher engine power, but also the concept of maximum parts commonality. This makes it easier to replace drives within vehicle fleets and simplifies the storage of spare parts and the supply of troops. This concept not only ensures economical storage of spare parts, but also provides troops in the field with significant tactical advantages in terms of supply and repairs.”
