DEUTZ acquires electric drive specialist SOBEK for UAV market

Defence Industry Expansion DEUTZ acquires electric drive specialist SOBEK to enter the fast-growing UAV market

2025-09-03 Source: Press release 1 min Reading Time

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DEUTZ AG has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of SOBEK Group GmbH, a German manufacturer of high-performance electric drive systems serving aerospace, motorsport and medical technology markets. The move marks a strategic step towards expanding DEUTZ’s presence in the defence sector and accelerating its transition from a component supplier to a full system provider.

SOBEK's high-performance electric drives are used in several specialised fields of application, including drones. (Source: SOBEK Group GmbH) — SOBEK's high-performance electric drives are used in several specialised fields of application, including drones.
(Source: SOBEK Group GmbH)

The acquisition reflects the rapid growth of the European unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market, driven by NATO investment priorities and changing operational requirements in modern warfare. SOBEK’s technology portfolio includes electric drive systems combining motors, control units and software, already in use with leading European UAV manufacturers.

“Through SOBEK we gain direct access to the fast-growing defence market and create the basis to strategically expand beyond conventional propulsion,” said DEUTZ CEO Dr Sebastian C. Schulte. “Defence requirements are changing rapidly due to new technologies and evolving military concepts. Demand for UAV systems will continue to rise, and with SOBEK we position ourselves early as a key systems partner in this dynamic environment.”

SOBEK’s electric drives offer high power density, energy efficiency and precise control, features considered essential for military UAV applications. Dr Olaf Hahn, SOBEK owner and CEO, will support the integration into DEUTZ for at least twelve months: “With DEUTZ’s industrialisation expertise and global network, we can scale our technology much faster and establish it as a European standard for safety-critical applications – made in Germany.”

The deal also creates synergies for DEUTZ beyond defence. SOBEK’s technology could be applied in off-highway equipment, robotics and civil aviation sectors, including logistics drones and infrastructure monitoring. The company expects double-digit EBIT margins for 2025, with turnover in the low to mid double-digit million-euro range.

Closing of the transaction is expected shortly. Financing is secured via credit lines, with the option of a capital increase of up to 10% of current share capital at a later stage if required.

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