RENK Group AG and Patria have jointly unveiled a next-generation heavy unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) concept at Eurosatory 2026, one of the world’s leading defence and security exhibitions. The collaboration combines advanced drivetrain technologies with a modular vehicle platform to demonstrate how future land systems can be designed for remote operation, enhanced mobility and eventual autonomous functionality.
The concept vehicle integrates Patria’s TRACKX modular tracked platform with RENK’s newly developed HSWL 076 transmission and drive-by-wire mobility architecture. Together, the companies are showcasing a scalable solution designed to meet the evolving requirements of modern armed forces operating in increasingly complex and contested environments.
The unveiling reflects growing demand for unmanned and optionally crewed land systems capable of reducing personnel exposure while maintaining operational effectiveness. Defence planners across NATO and allied nations are increasingly evaluating technologies that improve battlefield survivability, mobility and flexibility without compromising mission performance.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Alexander Sagel, Chief Executive Officer of RENK Group AG, said, “Future military operations will increasingly rely on digitally enabled and scalable vehicle architectures. Our collaboration with Patria demonstrates how advanced propulsion technologies and modular platform design can accelerate the development of unmanned ground capabilities while supporting future operational requirements.”
Patria President and Chief Executive Officer Panu Routila highlighted the increasing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare. “The security environment has changed significantly in recent years, reinforcing the need for highly mobile and adaptable unmanned platforms. By combining Patria’s proven vehicle expertise with RENK’s digital transmission technology, we are creating a solution that offers greater commonality between crewed and uncrewed vehicle fleets while providing enhanced operational flexibility for defence forces,” he said.
At the heart of the concept is RENK’s HSWL 076 transmission, developed specifically for light tracked military vehicles in the 10 to 20-tonne category. Weighing approximately 700 kilograms, the system combines propulsion, steering and braking functions within a digitally controlled drivetrain architecture. The transmission has been engineered and validated for military applications in less than two years and is capable of supporting a top speed of up to 90 kilometres per hour.
The platform’s drive-by-wire architecture enables a wide range of advanced operational concepts, including remote control, vehicle platooning, crew-sharing arrangements and future autonomous missions. Importantly, these capabilities can be introduced without requiring major redesigns of the vehicle platform.
The unveiling at Eurosatory underscores the growing emphasis on technological innovation, digitalisation and interoperability in the defence sector. By combining expertise in vehicle systems and propulsion technologies, RENK and Patria are positioning themselves at the forefront of next-generation land mobility solutions designed to address the operational challenges of tomorrow’s battlefield.
