Renk Reports Record €5.5B Order Backlog, Profits Up 38%
Renk has achieved a record order backlog of €5.5 billion in Q1 2024, with order intake doubling to €549 million. Sales rose 14.7% to €273 million, while adjusted EBIT surged 38% to €38 million. The Vehicle Mobility Solutions (VMS) segment led growth, driven by a €150 million US Army order for HMPT transmissions.
CEO Emmerich Schiller stated, “We have had a strong start to the year. Our efficiency measures continue to boost operational excellence.”
CFO Anja Mänz-Siebje added, “Our record order backlog provides long-term revenue visibility, ensuring a stable foundation for achieving our financial targets.”
Renk maintains its 2024 forecast of €1.3 billion in sales and €220 million in earnings.
TKMS Reports Record €16.1B Order Backlog
Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) reported a record €16.1 billion order backlog in H1 2024/2025, driven by major contracts for submarines and the Polarstern icebreaker. Order intake surged to €5.6 billion, up from €669 million, with adjusted EBIT rising 46% to €62 million.
CEO Oliver Burkhard highlighted continued growth, including a recent Singapore submarine order, raising the order book to €18 billion. CFO Paul Glaser emphasized strong profitability. Thyssenkrupp plans to spin off TKMS, positioning it as a leading maritime defence provider.
Germany Orders New Heckler & Koch G95A1 Rifles
Germany’s Bundeswehr has ordered the first batch of new G95A1 and G95KA1 rifles from Heckler & Koch, marking the start of a new standard weapon for its troops. Based on the HK416 A8, the G95A1 offers improved accuracy over the existing G36 rifle.
After successful trials in 2023-2024, the rifles are set for series production, with an initial order of 118,718 units. Heckler & Koch CEO Dr. Jens Bodo Koch highlighted the rifle’s advanced technology and reliability.
GDLS, WZM Partner to Support Polish Abrams Tanks
General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) and Poland’s WZM have partnered to provide local support for Poland’s M1 Abrams tank fleet. The agreement enables WZM to maintain and support 366 Abrams tanks, including 250 new M1A2 SEPv3 models and 116 used M1A1 FEP tanks.
WZM staff will begin training in June, closing a support gap for the tanks. The deal complements a separate WZM-BAE Systems agreement for M88A2 support vehicles, strengthening Poland’s defence maintenance capabilities.
GA-ATS Expands NH90 Maintenance in Germany
General Atomics AeroTec Systems (GA-ATS) is adding a sixth maintenance dock for NH90 helicopters at Oberpfaffenhofen by early 2026, enhancing support for the German Armed Forces. The expansion boosts capacity for maintenance, repairs, and overhauls, reinforcing GA-ATS’s role as a key maintenance provider.
“This investment strengthens our support for the German Armed Forces,” said GA-ATS Managing Director Florian Rohe. The company is also hiring new staff to support the expanded operations.
Germany Enhances ASUL Drone Defence System
Germany’s BAAINBw has commissioned Hensoldt to upgrade the ASUL (Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Defence System), enhancing its capability to detect and neutralize drone threats. The modular system, in use since 2022, will gain improved sensors and effectors, increasing flexibility and effectiveness. This upgrade strengthens the Bundeswehr’s counter-UAS capabilities.
GDELS Debuts NEMESIS Tracked Howitzer at FEINDEF
General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has unveiled the NEMESIS tracked howitzer at the FEINDEF defense show in Madrid. Built on the ASCOD platform with KNDS’s 155 mm/L52 Artillery Gun Module (AGM), NEMESIS offers advanced “shoot and scoot” capability, 360° targeting, and a 70 km range.
Designed for a two-person crew, it features automation and future remote-control capability. Spain is a potential buyer, and the U.S. may consider it as a replacement for its M109 howitzers.
Germany Plans 5% GDP Defense Spending Increase
Germany aims to boost defense spending to 5% of GDP, reaching around €215.3 billion, a significant rise from €57.1 billion in 2024. This increase will primarily support the Bundeswehr, which plans to expand from 182,667 to 395,000 troops. The government is considering a new voluntary military service model, potentially shifting to conscription if needed. Funding the defense surge may require budget cuts or tax hikes.