Rising demand for Scania engines for defence applications
5 FEBRUARY 2025
From armoured vehicles to combat boats and submarines, Scania has supplied thousands of engines for defence-related products since the early 1990s. With recent geopolitical developments affecting global security, Scania is experiencing a significant increase in demand for power solutions that help nations build resilient defences.
Scania is primarily known as a leading manufacturer of trucks, engines and buses for the transport industry and industrial segments, but its expertise also extends to the defence sector, where the company has made important contributions for more than a century and sold approximately 10,000 trucks and 5,000 engines since the early 1990s.
And Scania’s support to many countries’ defence capabilities don’t end there. Our top-performing powertrains have played an equally important role in keeping societies safe.
Increased demand for defence-related solutions
“We have a strong and proud heritage of providing engines for the defence sector,” says Andreas Lundh, Head of Special Sales at Scania Power Solutions and responsible for the defence segment. “Our robust, energy-efficient, and power-dense engines, in combination with Scania’s global service network, provide excellent conditions for the transportation of cargo, military units, and defence systems,” he says.
Currently, Scania is experiencing a significant increase in demand from the defence industry. This surge is driven by the deteriorating geopolitical environment, as nations around the world respond to emerging threats by increasing their investment in defence and security.
Long-term partnerships and modular system key to Scania’s innovations
Scania’s engine installations take many forms (see fact box below). But what they all share, according to Lundh, is innovative solutions that result from strong, long-term partnerships between Scania and the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who integrate Scania engines into their products.
“The long-term relationships we have with many partners are key to the innovative solutions we have developed over the years,” he says.
Here, Scania’s modular system offers a significant advantage.
“The engines we deliver are essentially built from our modular system,” says Lundh. “However, due to performance demands and strict installation requirements, certain customised developments of the engines for the vehicles are more the rule than the exception, within the limits of export control regulations. But to our customers’ satisfaction, our modular system overall minimises the need for their own solutions.”
Another benefit of the modular system is that the components are the same as those used in civilian applications. This means all Scania defence applications – whether trucks, buses, or engines – can be serviced through our vast global service network, providing exceptional reliability and operational uptime.
“This is a huge advantage when it comes to resilience, civil protection and interoperability across Scania defence products used by various armed forces,” says Lundh.
Selected defence solutions powered by Scania engines
Since the early 1990s, Scania has supplied 5,000 engines for various defence-related products. Here’s a brief overview:
Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90)
Developed by BAE Systems Hägglunds in collaboration with the Swedish Armed Forces and major sub-suppliers such as Scania, the CV90 is a tracked infantry fighting vehicle that entered service in the mid-1990s.
Scania’s V8 diesel engine has powered the CV90 from the start. Early models used a 14-litre V8, while the latest Mk IV features a 16-litre V8. Over 1,300 units have been produced to date, including 50 donated by Sweden to Ukraine.
Combat Boat 90 (CB90)
The Combat Boat 90 (CB90) by Dockstavarvet, part of Saab Group, has been produced in over 250 units worldwide since 1989. Initially designed as a high-speed troop transport for 18 soldiers, it has evolved into a sophisticated vessel with enhanced capabilities.
The latest version, the CB90 NG, is powered by two Scania V8 diesel engines generating 900 horsepower each. Equipped with waterjets, it reaches speeds exceeding 40 knots and offers exceptional maneuverability in challenging conditions.
- The Blekinge-class (A26) submarine
As a longstanding partner of Saab Group, Scania has been selected to supply V8 diesel engines for the Blekinge-class (A26) submarine project, commissioned by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the Royal Swedish Navy. This is regarded as the world’s most modern submarine programme to date.
Patria 6X6 and Patria 8x8 AMV XP
Scania has supplied engines for Patria’s military vehicles since the early 2000s and is currently the company’s sole engine provider. Scania’s 9-litre inline five-cylinder engine powers the Patria 6X6, a six-wheeled armoured personnel carrier, while the Patria AMV XP, an eight-wheeled all-wheel-drive military vehicle, features the six-cylinder 13-litre inline engine.
These vehicles are widely used by several countries, including Finland, Sweden, Latvia, Poland (through a licence agreement with Polish state enterprise “Rosomak”), Slovakia, and Slovenia, while Japan is set to be a future operator.
- General Dynamics 8x8 vehicles (Mowag Piranha series)
Originally developed by Mowag, a Swiss company that is part of General Dynamics European Land Systems, the Piranha 8x8 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) is now equipped with a Scania six-cylinder 13-litre inline diesel engine.
The Mowag Piranha 8x8-series has been produced in large numbers and is currently operated in many countries including Denmark, Romania, Switzerland and Spain (through the Spanish consortium “TESS Defence” which provides a localised version and named “Dragón”).
Watercat M18 Armoured Modular Craft (AMC)
The Finnish Navy’s Watercat M18 Armoured Modular Craft (AMC), also known as the Jehu-class landing craft, is powered by two Scania 16-litre V8 engines, each producing 900 horsepower (660 kW). Paired with water jets, the craft reaches maximum speeds over 40 knots and cruises at 35 knots when fully loaded.
