The HSWL 354 is a hydromechanical transmission, reversing and steering system. RENK said it has formed the core of Leopard 2 mobility for more than four decades and is in service with numerous NATO and partner countries.
The company described the system as a key part of Western armed forces’ mobility. It said the milestone reflects RENK’s long-standing role as a reliable partner for mission-critical mobility solutions and as an industrial cornerstone of NATO and alliance defence.
RENK said the HSWL 354 combines technological precision, high reliability and continuous enhancement. The company marked the start of production with a small celebration involving employees of Vehicle Transmissions Augsburg.
Chief Executive Officer Dr Alexander Sagel and Chief Operating Officer Dr Emmerich Schiller attended the event. They were joined by Brigadier General Stefan Wind, Head of the Combat Division at the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support.
The participants symbolically marked the start of production of the 4,000th HSWL 354. RENK said an internal event to celebrate completion of the system with all employees at the Augsburg site is scheduled for 7 July 2026.
“The HSWL 354 embodies what RENK stands for: uncompromising performance that has delivered reliable service for decades – under the toughest conditions and wherever armed forces depend on operational readiness,” said Dr Alexander Sagel, CEO of RENK. “The production of 4,000 transmissions has been made possible by our highly qualified employees, who have worked on this system with great passion, experience and precision. We at RENK are extremely proud of this achievement.”
RENK said the success of the HSWL 354 is also the result of decades of industrial partnership within the European defence industry. Together with KNDS, the company supplies core propulsion technology for the Leopard platform.
The company described the Leopard propulsion solution as an international benchmark for military mobility and operational readiness. It said the long-standing partnership with KNDS has helped shape one of the most successful platforms in the Western defence industry.
“Today’s milestone is a powerful demonstration of how operational excellence is put into practice at RENK: through the highest quality standards, continuously optimized processes, and the clear goal to get it right first time. Every single transmission stands for precision, reliability, and the strength of our teams,” said Dr Emmerich Schiller, COO of RENK.
RENK said the milestone comes at a time of increased demand for modern and immediately available solutions for Western armed forces. The company is currently working under a development contract on the next evolutionary stage of the system for future Leopard 2 power packs with enhanced performance.
RENK said the work builds on the HSWL 354 success story while combining decades of experience with its NextGen Mobility technology and innovation agenda. The company said the aim is to meet the demands of tomorrow’s battlefield.
RENK Group is headquartered in Augsburg and manufactures propulsion solutions for military and civil markets. Its portfolio includes gear units, transmissions, power packs, hybrid propulsion systems, suspension systems, slide bearings, couplings, clutches and test systems.
The company serves customers in military vehicles, naval, civil marine and industrial energy applications. RENK reported revenue of about €1.4 billion in fiscal year 2025 and has been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 7 February 2024.
