Rolls-Royce has secured a major order from KNDS to supply over 300 mtu MB 873 Ka-501 engines to power Leopard 2 battle tanks serving in several European armies. Beginning in 2026, the Power Systems division will deliver the engines amid rising demand for military propulsion units, which now represent a significant portion of the company’s defense revenue. The Ka-501 engine, a robust 1,500-horsepower diesel unit, provides the Leopard 2 fleet with strong acceleration, sustained mobility, and battlefield endurance, supporting speeds near 70 km/h and a range of 340 km. The multi-country procurement highlights collective European efforts to reinforce armored platforms, maintain operational readiness, and upgrade critical ground combat assets.
