Renk wins €130 million Leopard 2 contract extension from KNDS

Oct 14 (Reuters) - German defence supplier Renk said on Wednesday it had secured a contract extension worth about €130 million ($146 million) from KNDS Deutschland to supply transmissions for Leopard 2 battle tanks and related vehicles.

European militaries continue to expand their armoured forces following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, even as the war has fuelled debate about the future battlefield role of tanks after thousands of armoured vehicles were destroyed by drones, missiles and artillery. Military planners and manufacturers have, however, argued that tanks need to be adapted to new threats rather than replaced.

• The deal covers Renk's HSWL 354 transmission, TCS-354A control unit and G4MA11 gear selector, with deliveries scheduled between 2029 and 2032

• KNDS says that around 3,300 Leopard 2 tanks and other vehicles from the Leopard family are operated by armed forces in 23 countries

• The deal offers another indication of the production pipeline at KNDS, whose future ownership structure has been closely watched by investors and European governments alike

• Plans for a stock market listing announced earlier this year have since cooled, leaving greater focus on efforts by France and Germany to cement joint control over the company

($1 = 0.8925 euros)

(Reporting by Maria Rugamer)