RENK Group AG, a leading provider of mission-critical propulsion solutions for the military sector, and defence and technology company Patria today jointly presented a next-generation heavy unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) concept at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris. Presented at the RENK booth, the showcase model combines Patria’s modular TRACKX vehicle platform with RENK’s newly developed HSWL 076 transmission and drive-by-wire mobility architecture. Together, the two companies are demonstrating how advanced drivetrain solutions and modular vehicle platforms can accelerate the transition towards remotely operated and future autonomous land systems. The war in Ukraine reinforces the need for rapidly deployable heavy UGV capabilities. Recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, have reinforced the importance of unmanned and optionally manned capabilities for operations in highly contested environments. Armed forces across NATO are increasingly seeking solutions that reduce crew exposure while maintaining mobility, protection, and mission effectiveness. The jointly developed concept vehicle reflects this operational shift.
“The future of land operations will depend on digitally enabled, and scalable vehicle architectures,” said Dr. Alexander Sagel, CEO of RENK Group AG. “Together with Patria, we are demonstrating how European defence cooperation can rapidly translate innovation into scalable and future-ready unmanned ground capabilities.”
“Patria TRACKX is an exceptional all-terrain armoured tracked vehicle, offering an optimal solution for various applications that demand high mobility standards for military units,” says Patria’s President and CEO Panu Routila. “The war in Ukraine shows what modern and future warfare looks like. Today, unmanned systems are essential and are a battlefield necessity. Patria provides the platform expertise, and RENK digitalized transmission HSWL 076 with drive by wire capability, bringing greater commonality between Patria’s uncrewed and crewed vehicles for end users.”
With its compact design, low weight of around 700 kg, high power density and a top speed of up to 90 km/h, the HSWL 076 is particularly suitable for light tracked vehicles in the 10 to 20 ton range. The transmission integrates steering, braking, and propulsion functionalities within a digitally controlled drivetrain architecture and has been engineered and validated for military applications in under two years. The system provides the foundation for advanced functionalities including remote operation, platooning, crew-sharing concepts, and future autonomous capabilities — without requiring fundamental redesign of the vehicle platform. The architecture can be applied across manned, optionally unmanned, and dedicated unmanned tracked vehicle programmes, including retrofit applications. By combining Patria’s scalable platform approach with RENK’s digital drivetrain expertise, the cooperation demonstrates a flexible and interoperable solution for future European and NATO land capabilities. Earlier this year, Patria awarded RENK a contract for a pre-series batch of HSWL 076 transmissions for the TRACKX vehicle family, marking an important milestone in the industrialisation of the programme and underlining the strategic depth of the cooperation between both companies.
Patria is a modern and international defence and technology company with over 100 years of experience. Through our top-notch experts and Protected Mobility, Defence and Weapon Systems and Sustainment Solutions business areas, we ensure reliable operations for our customers and serve as a partner in critical functions on land, sea and air – when if is not an option. Patria’s operating countries include Finland, Sweden, Norway, Latvia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Japan. Patria is owned by the State of Finland (50.1%) and Norwegian Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (49.9%). Patria owns 50% of Nammo, and together these three companies form a leading Nordic defence partnership.
About the RENK Group AG
Headquartered in Augsburg, Germany, RENK Group AG is a globally leading manufacturer of mission-critical propulsion solutions across diverse military and civil end markets. Our product portfolio includes gear units, transmissions, power-packs, hybrid propulsion systems, suspension systems, slide bearings, couplings & clutches and test systems. With this broad product portfolio RENK Group AG serves, in particular, customers in industries for military vehicles, naval, civil marine, and industrial applications focused on energy. In the fiscal year 2025, RENK Group AG generated revenue of approximately EUR 1.4 billion. RENK Group AG has been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since February 7, 2024, and has been a member of the MDAX since March 24, 2025.
