Proven for decades: RENK starts production of the 4,000th HSWL 354 for the Leopard 2
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Proven for decades: RENK starts production of the 4,000th HSWL 354 for the Leopard 2
- The HSWL 354 has been at the heart of the Leopard 2’s mobility for over four decades and is in service in numerous NATO and partner countries
- RENK combines decades of engineering expertise with operational excellence and the next generation of military mobility
- The long-standing partnership with KNDS has shaped one of the most successful platforms in the Western defense industry
Augsburg, June 8, 2026 – RENK Group AG, a leading provider of propulsion solutions for the military sector, has today started producing its 4,000th HSWL 354 at the Augsburg site. For more than four decades, the hydromechanical transmission, reversing, and steering systems have formed the heart of the Leopard 2 main battle tank and numerous other vehicles based on the same platform – and are therefore a key part of the mobility of Western armed forces.
This milestone underscores RENK’s decades-long role as a reliable partner for mission-critical mobility solutions and as an industrial cornerstone of NATO and alliance defense. At the same time, the HSWL 354 is a unique combination of technological precision, the highest level of reliability, and continuous enhancement.
RENK held a small celebration today to mark the start of production with the employees of Vehicle Transmissions Augsburg (VTA), who have helped shape this industrial success story over the decades. CEO Dr. Alexander Sagel and COO Dr. Emmerich Schiller, together with Brigadier General Stefan Wind, Head of the Combat Division at the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), symbolically marked the start of production of the 4,000th HSWL 354. An internal event to celebrate the completion of the system together with all employees at the Augsburg site is scheduled for July 7, 2026.
“The HSWL 354 embodies what RENK stands for: uncompromising performance that has delivered reliable service for decades – under the toughest conditions and wherever armed forces depend on operational readiness,” says Dr. Alexander Sagel, CEO of RENK. “The production of 4,000 transmissions has been made possible by our highly qualified employees, who have worked on this system with great passion, experience and precision. We at RENK are extremely proud of this achievement.”
Partnership as key to success
“Today’s milestone is a powerful demonstration of how operational excellence is put into practice at RENK: through the highest quality standards, continuously optimized processes, and the clear goal to get it right first time. Every single transmission stands for precision, reliability, and the strength of our teams,” comments Dr. Emmerich Schiller, COO of RENK.
The success of the HSWL 354 is the result of decades of industrial partnership within the European defense industry. Together with KNDS, RENK supplies core propulsion technology for the Leopard platform – a solution considered an international benchmark for military mobility and operational readiness.
Experience meets future
This milestone comes at a time when there is greater demand than ever for modern, immediately available solutions for Western armed forces. As part of a development contract, RENK is currently working on the next evolutionary stage of the system for future Leopard 2 power packs with enhanced performance. With this move, RENK is building on the success story of the HSWL 354 – combining decades of experience with the NextGen Mobility technology and innovation agenda to meet the demands of tomorrow’s battlefield.
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 2025, RENK Group AG generated revenue of approximately EUR 1.4 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.
For further information, please visit www.renk.com
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.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen | Best regards
Fabian Klee Global Head of Communications | Group Spokesperson
Email: fabian.klee@renk.com">fabian.klee@renk.com Mob.: +49 1607154647
Benjamin Seebach
Senior Communications Manager | Spokesperson Vehicle Mobility Solutions
Email: benjamin.seebach@renk.com">benjamin.seebach@renk.com Mob.: +49 15146686440
Merlin Desselberger
Communications Manager | Spokesperson Marine & Industry
Email: merlin.desselberger@renk.com">merlin.desselberger@renk.com Mob.: +49 1759710798