ZF at Eurosatory 2026

ZF Group is expanding its specialized driveline, chassis, and digital infrastructure portfolio to address complex vehicle integration challenges within the European defense sector. The development program focuses on modular subsystems designed to standardize interfaces across wheeled and tracked industrial platforms.

Operational Challenges and System Complexity
Defense equipment manufacturers face stringent engineering requirements demanding both component resilience and rapid development cycles. Traditional non-standardized powertrains increase production costs and complicate field maintenance. To mitigate these issues, ZF applies automotive-scale manufacturing standards to heavy special vehicle applications, minimizing technical risk through pre-validated sub-assemblies.

Technical Solution and Subsystem Architecture
The technical framework relies on modular drivelines and integrated corner modules that decouple platform engineering from individual component development. For wheeled applications, the architecture integrates automatic transmissions, including the EcoLife Offroad 2 and the CeTrax 2 dual electrified drive solution, with dedicated transfer cases. Tracked vehicle platforms utilize the newly developed eLSG 5000 electrified powershift steering transmission, designed in alignment with the European Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) framework.

Chassis architecture is structured around pre-assembled independent front suspension (IFS) corner modules that combine damping, steering, and suspension elements into a single structural unit. These modules utilize OptiDamp and Airtrac X components to sustain high axle loads under variable off-road dynamic stresses. Braking capability is managed via the Modular Braking System Platform (mBSP XBS), featuring pneumatically and hydraulically sealed actuators optimized for deep-water fording and thermal stability.

Digital Infrastructure and Fleet Interoperability
To bridge hardware performance with operational coordination, the digital infrastructure layer incorporates the ZF Defense Connect platform. Derived from commercial Rescue Connect architecture, this software interface establishes secure data protocols for fleet logistics, asset tracking, and medical evacuation management, ensuring interoperability across civil-military communication networks.

Engineering Integration and Lifecycle Testing
ZF provides end-to-end industrial support from initial simulation through series production ramp-up. Component validation is conducted on turnkey test benches to simulate extreme environmental profiles, accelerating formal certification pathways. The complete technological portfolio will be exhibited at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris, France, from June 15 to 19, 2026 (Hall 6, Booth G379), demonstrating practical deployment configurations for modern defense architectures.

Edited by Evgeny Churilov, Induportals Media - Adapted by AI.

www.zf.com