Eurosatory 2026: ZF is “Together on Mission” with Europe’s defense industry

Friedrichshafen / Paris. With decades of experience in defense and special vehicle applications, ZF brings a unique systems perspective to the defense industry, combining proven technologies with application specific development and industrial scale expertise. ZF will showcase its technology and services portfolio at Eurosatory 2026, the global benchmark event for defense and security, taking place in Paris from June 15 to 19 (Hall 6, Booth G379).

Under the motto “Together on Mission”, ZF positions itself as a long‑term, reliable partner to Europe’s defense industry. With more than five decades of experience in defense and special vehicle applications, the Group brings a systems perspective that combines proven technologies, application‑specific development and industrial‑scale expertise. Said expertise will be fully on show at this year’s Eurosatory in Paris.

“When it comes to defense or crisis response, vehicles must empower confident decisions through reliability, predictable performance and operational efficiency. ZF offers the solutions that support this kind of confidence,” says Ralf Boss, Head of Product Line Special Vehicle Systems.

As a comprehensive systems provider, ZF focuses on reducing complexity, increasing efficiency and enabling flexibility for defense vehicle manufacturers. Modular architectures allow individual subsystems to be seamlessly integrated while leaving room for customer specific adaptations. This approach supports faster development cycles, simplified vehicle integration and robust performance under extreme operational conditions – from the concept phase to series production.

Track record: ZF expands drive portfolio for heavy defense vehicles

ZF’s driveline portfolio for defense vehicles covers a wide range of wheeled and tracked applications. Wheeled vehicles benefit from ZF’s experience as a Tier 1 automotive supplier. Automatic transmissions, transfer cases and electrified drive solutions such as EcoLife Offroad 2, TC 27 or CeTrax 2 dual have proven their durability in many vehicle segments, and form the modular building blocks for light to heavy defense platforms.

A special highlight at Eurosatory will be the continued expansion of the company’s tracked vehicle portfolio. Recently announced was the electrified powershift steering transmission eLSG 5000, developed as part of the European Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) program. This expansion builds on long-standing experience with established systems such as the LSG 1100 or the LSG 3000 and will be on display.

Chassis and braking systems for extreme operational conditions

In addition to driveline technologies, ZF will present key elements of its chassis and braking portfolio for defense applications. Said portfolio ranges from individual suspension and steering components to complete axle system solutions, including systems like OptiDamp, Airtrac X, APL 90, up to fully pre-assembled IFS corner modules.

The corner module combines suspension, damping and steering relevant components into a pre integrated unit that can be adapted to different vehicle platforms and mission profiles. Designed for high axle loads and extreme off road conditions, the modular approach supports robust vehicle architectures while simplifying integration and reducing overall system complexity.

Meanwhile, ZF’s braking portfolio covers electronic and conventional hydraulic as well as pneumatic systems, designed for harsh duty cycles and extreme environmental conditions. Solutions with enhanced fording capability – like the Modular Braking System Platform mBSP XBS and brake actuators – ensure consistent performance and safety even during deep water crossings and under high thermal stress.

From engineering to production: services and expertise for the defense industry

Beyond components and systems, ZF supports defense customers with services and expertise along the entire lifecycle of defense vehicle programs. Engineering capabilities range from system and software development to simulation, integration and validation of complex, safety critical systems.

These activities are complemented by extensive testing expertise, providing robust evidence of performance, durability and safety under realistic extreme conditions. ZF’s turnkey test benches and testing services support rapid certification and shortened development cycles. In addition, the Group can support OEMs during ramp up phases or series production by contributing industrial manufacturing know how and production capacity. This end to end approach enables reliable, scalable solutions from prototype to series production.

ZF Defense Connect: Digital solutions for coordination and interoperability

ZF will also present digital solutions addressing fleet coordination, logistics and civil military cooperation. Based on the proven Rescue Connect platform, ZF Defense Connect supports information availability and interoperability in areas such as logistics, medical evacuation and disaster response, complementing the Group’s hardware portfolio with digital capabilities.

ZF will showcase its technology and services portfolio at this year’s Eurosatory, the global benchmark event for defense, in Paris from June 15-19 (Hall 6, Booth G379).