Proven for decades Renk Starts Production of the 4,000th HSWL 354 for the Leopard 2

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Renk Group AG recently commenced production of the 4,000th HSWL 354 at its Augsburg site. For more than four decades, this hydromechanical power-shift, reversing and steering transmission has formed the heart of the Leopard 2 main battle tank, as well as numerous vehicles based on the same platform—making it a central component of mobility for Western armed forces.

This milestone highlights Renk's decades-long role as a reliable partner for mission-critical mobility solutions and as an industrial cornerstone of NATO and alliance defence. At the same time, the HSWL 354 represents a unique combination of technological precision, maximum reliability, and continuous further development.

Renk celebrated the start of production today in a small circle with employees from Vehicle Transmissions Augsburg (VTA), who have helped shape this industrial success story over many years. CEO Dr Alexander Sagel and COO Dr Emmerich Schiller, together with Brigadier General Stefan Wind, Head of the Combat Department at the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), symbolically marked the start of production for the 4,000th HSWL 354. An internal celebration to mark the completion of the system with all employees at the Augsburg site is planned for 7 July 2026.

"The HSWL 354 represents what Renk stands for: uncompromising performance that functions reliably over decades—under the harshest conditions and wherever armed forces depend on operational readiness," said Dr Alexander Sagel, CEO of Renk. "4,000 units produced are the result of highly qualified employees who work on this system with experience, precision, and great passion. We at Renk are very proud of this."

Partnership as a success factor

"Today's milestone impressively demonstrates how operational excellence is lived at Renk: through the highest quality standards, continuously optimised processes, and the clear goal of getting it right the first time. Every single transmission represents precision, reliability, and the strength of our teams," added Dr Emmerich Schiller, COO of Renk.

The success of the HSWL 354 is the result of decades of industrial partnership within the European defence industry. Together with KNDS, Renk delivers central drive technology for the Leopard platform—a solution considered an international benchmark for military mobility and operational readiness.

Experience meets the future

The milestone comes at a time when modern and immediately available solutions for Western armed forces are in higher demand than ever. Accordingly, Renk is simultaneously working on the next evolutionary stage of the system for future Leopard 2 powerpacks with increased performance as part of a development contract. In doing so, Renk is consistently continuing the success story of the HSWL 354—combining decades of experience with the 'NextGen Mobility' technology and innovation agenda to meet the requirements of tomorrow's battlefield.