German Bundeswehr orders 188 HSWL 256 transmissions from RENK Group
The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) has placed an order with RENK Group for 188 HSWL 256 transmissions to be used in the Puma infantry fighting vehicle’s 800 kW propulsion systems.
RENK expects to start deliveries in June 2027 and complete them by November 2030.
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The latest contract forms part of the second phase of the Puma programme, which includes a total requirement for 213 transmissions.
RENK previously received an order for 25 units in December 2025, followed by the current order for 188 units recorded in March 2026.
In addition to the transmission agreement, an order for 213 sets of final drives is anticipated in the second quarter of this year.
The Puma’s propulsion system combines Rolls-Royce Power Systems’ mtu 10V 890 engine with RENK’s HSWL 256 transmission, delivering a compact and integrated solution designed for operational efficiency.
The transmission systems will include integrated control units and gear selectors tailored for the specific operational needs of the Puma vehicle.
The HSWL 256 transmission is designed for vehicles weighing between 35 and 45 tonnes, providing six forward and six reverse gears.
RENK’s HSWL 256, representing the latest technological developments, has also been chosen for the British Army’s Ajax vehicle family.
RENK Group CEO Dr. Alexander Sagel said: “The order underscores our position as a key partner to the German Armed Forces and reflects the confidence in our ability to deliver scalable solutions reliably, meeting rising demand, through our industrial strength and operational excellence. For us, sustainable strengthening of European defence capabilities is both a goal and a responsibility.”
Horstman Group, a division of RENK, will provide hydro-pneumatic suspension systems (Hydrostrut) for the programme. These suspension systems are intended to support vehicle movement and stability during operation.
In December last year, RENK Group secured orders worth over €45m ($52m) to supply additional transmissions including HSWL 256, HSWL 354 and AGB300 models, for integration into the Puma infantry fighting vehicle, Büffel armoured recovery vehicle, and Boxer armoured transport vehicle.
