The collaboration integrates DEUTZ’s powertrains with ARX’s AI-driven land vehicles to advance scalable, networked defense solutions.
Cologne-based engine manufacturer DEUTZ AG and Munich defense-tech startup ARX Robotics have entered into a strategic technology partnership to jointly develop scalable, networked defense systems made in Germany.
As part of the agreement, DEUTZ will act as lead investor in ARX Robotics’ ongoing financing round, expected to close in the coming weeks. The move strengthens DEUTZ’s presence in the defense technology ecosystem while supporting ARX’s mission to build unmanned, software-defined land vehicles for military use.
At the core of the partnership is the integration of DEUTZ’s battery-electric, hybrid, and small combustion engines into ARX’s unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). The companies are developing a joint interface connecting ARX’s Mithra OS AI platform with DEUTZ’s powertrains to achieve greater efficiency, reliability, and flexibility in the field.
“Unmanned and semi-autonomous defense systems will be a central component of future armed forces” ~ Dr. Sebastian Schulte, CEO of DEUTZ AG.
Through its DEUTZ Energy and DEUTZ NewTech divisions, the company will also provide mobile energy infrastructure such as power generators, battery storage, and exchangeable batteries for field operations. Meanwhile, ARX Robotics will gain access to DEUTZ’s global production and service network, enabling faster scaling and a higher degree of supply security.
“With DEUTZ, we are combining the intelligence of our Mithra OS platform with first-class drives and mobile energy. This allows us to bring unmanned systems to the troops faster and strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty.” ~ Marc Wietfeld, CEO and co-founder of ARX Robotics.
The partnership builds on ARX’s recent collaboration with Helsing, which focuses on developing an AI-based reconnaissance and strike network for European defense. It also follows DEUTZ’s September 2025 acquisition of drone propulsion specialist SOBEK, further solidifying its role as a systems provider for unmanned defense technologies.