Rolls-Royce wins new order for 300 MB 873 engines for new Leopard 2 tanks.

Rolls-Royce has received a new contract from KNDS for more than 300 MTU MB 873 Ka-501 engines to support new Leopard 2 tank orders for Germany, Lithuania, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic.

On December 8, 2025, Rolls-Royce received a KNDS contract for more than 300 MTU MB 873 Ka-501 engines to support new Leopard 2 production for Germany, Lithuania, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic. The order increases engine availability for upcoming Leopard 2A8 fleets and aligns with higher European demand for tracked vehicle propulsion starting in 2026. The contract, described as one of the largest of its type in recent decades, includes complete Series 873 drive systems and long-term spare parts to ensure the ongoing reliance on the MB 873 for a large portion of the European Leopard 2 fleet.
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The MB 873 Ka-501 was selected for the Leopard 2 because it offers a 1,100 kW output (roughly 1,475 hp) from a 47.6-liter, 12-cylinder engine that has been refined for decades by Rolls-Royce. (Picture source: Rolls-Royce)

Rolls-Royce links the size of the order to rising requirements from European land forces and to the company’s increased production capacity for military drive systems. Company leadership characterizes the contract as a major long-term commitment that fits within efforts to expand development and manufacturing activity related to armored vehicle propulsion. The company identifies a need to strengthen delivery capabilities for systems urgently required by armies in Europe and beyond, and states that continued capacity expansion will follow. KNDS presented early Leopard 2A8 tanks in mid-November in Munich during an event attended by the German Defense Minister, showing updated armor solutions and protective features designed for operational conditions that place greater stress on propulsion systems. These developments contribute to the demand for a durable and compatible engine family that can support current and future vehicle weights.

The MB 873 Ka-501 is a 12-cylinder, 90-degree V-block, four-stroke, liquid-cooled diesel engine with twin turbocharging and intercooling, forming part of the Series 870 family. It has a bore of 170 mm and a stroke of 175 mm for a displacement of about 47.6 liters, producing around 1,100 kW or roughly 1,500 horsepower at 2,600 rpm with peak torque near 4,700 Nm in the mid-rpm range. The dry mass is approximately 2,200 kg, resulting in a high power concentration needed for military vehicles such as the Leopard. The engine evolved from the Ka 500 program designed for the MBT 70 project and incorporates an enlarged displacement, improved filtration, and upgraded cooling. It uses an electronic control unit that limits overspeed, manages shutdowns during critical coolant or oil situations, and allows emergency override, while a dry sump lubrication system ensures oil flow at significant inclinations encountered during cross-country movement.

In Leopard 2 tanks, the MB 873 is part of a complete PowerPack containing the engine, the Renk HSWL 354 transmission, cooling components, filtration systems, and ancillary equipment. The transmission offers four forward and two reverse gears, combining mechanical and hydrodynamic elements that support speeds up to about 68 to 72 km/h, depending on the variant. A fuel capacity of around 1,200 liters enables ranges between 400 and 550 km, while the power-to-weight ratio supports maneuverability on varied terrain. Leopard 2s equipped with this powertrain can climb gradients near 60 percent, handle side slopes of about 30 percent, cross trenches of roughly 3 meters, and overcome vertical obstacles around 1.1 meters. The PowerPack is assembled and tested under conditions that simulate steep slopes, cold starts to about minus 42 degrees Celsius, immersion scenarios, and extended endurance profiles, and is supported throughout its lifecycle by structured maintenance and overhaul services.

The MB 873 Ka-501 remains the standard engine for all Leopard 2 variants, from early A4s to current A7s and A8s, as well as several heavy support platforms based on its chassis, including recovery vehicles like the Büffel, engineering systems such as the Kodiak, and bridge-layer vehicles such as the Leguan. Swedish Stridsvagn 122 tanks, which incorporate national armor packages, command systems, and camouflage solutions, also rely on the MB 873 to move combat weights that can exceed 65 tons. Across Europe, more than 4,000 MB 873 engines have been produced for Leopard-based vehicles, providing a consistent propulsion architecture across multiple upgrade programs and national adaptations. Several European countries have recently placed new orders with KNDS for Leopard 2 tanks, including Germany, Lithuania, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic.

Germany and Lithuania recently ordered Leopard 2A8 tanks, but have not publicly disclosed the exact quantity. Sweden has ordered 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks in parallel with the upgrade of its Stridsvagn 122 fleet, the Netherlands is participating in cooperative procurement arrangements for 46 Leopard 2A8 tanks, and the Czech Republic is acquiring at least 61 2A8s, although its final fleet size has not yet been detailed. Beyond these current orders, Leopard 2 tanks remain widely operated across Europe: Poland fields A4, A5 and Leopard 2PL variants; Finland uses A4 and A6; Norway employs A4 and is preparing to introduce A8; Denmark operates Leopard 2A7; Spain uses the Leopard 2E; Portugal has Leopard 2A6; Greece operates A4 and 2HEL; and the Netherlands fields upgraded A6 models within joint structures. Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania are integrating A7 and A8 configurations, highlighting the widespread distribution of both the tank and the MB 873 engine across European partners.

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.