The Munich-based DefenseTech startup Arx Robotics and Cologne-based drive specialist Deutz have entered into a strategic partnership. Both companies intend to work more closely together in the development and production of unmanned, software-defined defense systems. As part of this collaboration, Deutz is participating as lead investor in Arx Robotics' current financing round. The round is expected to close in the coming weeks.
Technology partnership for Europe's defense capability
The collaboration focuses on the integration of Deutz drive systems into Arx Robotics' unmanned ground vehicles. In addition to battery-electric drives, smaller combustion and hybrid solutions will also be used in the future. For this purpose, both partners are developing an interface that connects Arx Robotics' AI-based software platform Mithra OS with the Deutz systems.
Sebastian Schulte, CEO of Deutz, commented:
"Unmanned and semi-autonomous defense systems will become increasingly important and a central component of future armed forces. To achieve this, we are combining Arx Robotics' leading software and robotics expertise with our strengths in propulsion, decentralized energy supply, and industrial production. These partnerships, made in Germany, are what we need to sustainably strengthen Europe's defense capabilities."
In addition to its drive technologies, Deutz is contributing mobile energy infrastructure from its Energy and NewTech divisions to the collaboration. These include power generators, storage solutions, and removable batteries. Arx Robotics will also gain access to Deutz's global production and service network. This will enable larger orders to be completed more quickly and systems to be reliably maintained in the field.
Focus on scaling and sovereignty
Marc Wietfeld, Co-Founder and CEO of Arx Robotics, describes the cooperation as a strategic milestone:
"With Deutz, we are combining the intelligence of our Mithra OS platform and vehicle systems with first-class drives, mobile energy, and industrial manufacturing. This allows us to bring unmanned systems into the military more quickly, increase operational availability and reliability, and lay the foundation for scaling in Europe. Our mission remains unchanged: to protect soldiers, relieve logistics, and build capabilities across the region."
The partnership follows the recent Collaboration between Arx Robotics and drone manufacturer HelsingThe two partners are jointly developing an AI-based reconnaissance and response network for European defense. It is based on field-proven systems and experience from Ukraine, where networked technologies already play an important role in the land area.
For Deutz, the cooperation with Arx Robotics is a further step in the strategic expansion of its defense business. Just in September, the company acquired drone propulsion specialist Sobek, thereby strengthening its position in the growing ecosystem of unmanned defense systems. With partnerships like this, Deutz aims to demonstrate how combining industrial experience with emerging technological expertise can create new solutions for Europe. The new alliance underscores the importance of startups for the defense industry.
