MTU Aero Engines expands its portfolio to include UAV propulsion systems
| Acquisition of AeroDesignWorks lays the basis for further steps in the UAV segment
| MTU combines its extensive engine expertise with the agility of a startup
| The acquisition is a key building block in expanding independent European defense capabilities
Munich, April 8, 2026 | Aircraft propulsion expert MTU Aero Engines AG is acquiring AeroDesignWorks GmbH. The provider of drone propulsion systems is based in Cologne, Germany, and will become a wholly owned subsidiary of MTU. With this move, the engine specialist is strategically expanding its portfolio to include propulsion solutions for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and modern guided missile systems. At the same time, AeroDesignWorks will benefit from MTU’s industrial capabilities in engine manufacturing.
“Through AeroDesignWorks, we are ensuring accelerated and substantial entry into a key growth sector,” says Dr. Ottmar Pfänder, Chief Program Officer of MTU Aero Engines AG. “Autonomous and high-precision systems are increasingly becoming a focal point of European aerospace and defense strategies. With this acquisition, MTU will continue making an important contribution to strengthening Europe’s technological independence. At the same time, we are reinforcing our commitment to playing a decisive role in shaping the future of European propulsion systems.”
MTU is an established provider of military aircraft engines. Through its involvement in the engines for the Tornado and Eurofighter fighter jets, the Tiger and CH-53K helicopters, and the A400M transport aircraft, the company possesses comprehensive expertise in development, production, and maintenance of complex systems. By developing technology for the engines of the next generation of European fighter jets, MTU is shaping the future of military engine manufacturing in Germany. In addition, MTU is now exploring opportunities in the field of unmanned aerial systems.
Startup agility meets industrial performance
With the acquisition of AeroDesignWorks, MTU is combining the industrial clout of a global engine manufacturer with the agility of a specialized high-tech company. For AeroDesignWorks, this move offers the opportunity to significantly scale up its own products and in turn, meet the growing demand from European armed forces and industrial customers on a large scale.
MTU’s comprehensive manufacturing expertise will be a decisive factor in this regard. Together, the companies aim to leverage their complementary capabilities and become a leading European provider of an even wider range of military propulsion systems. At the same time, MTU already possesses expertise in the propulsion of autonomous flight systems through another subsidiary, the electric motor manufacturer eMoSys.
AeroDesignWorks was spun off from the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in 2011 and has approximately 40 employees. Over the past 15 years, it has developed into a leading technology provider of gas turbines in the thrust range up to 400 N. The company manufactures a portfolio of turbojet engines in series production and is already successfully fulfilling large orders in the defense sector. In addition, AeroDesignWorks is working on propulsion solutions for other national and European UAV and guided missile programs in significantly higher thrust classes. MTU is now contributing its expertise in development and manufacturing to support this growth.
“In recent years, we have demonstrated the innovative strength of AeroDesignWorks: rapid development, technological depth, and the ability to bring high-performance, compact gas turbines from concept to series production,” say the two founders of AeroDesignWorks, Dr. Georg Kröger and Ulrich Siller. “MTU is an established and reliable partner in the defense sector – and will ideally complement our strengths.”
Under the umbrella of MTU, the company will further expand its position in a rapidly growing segment. AeroDesignWorks will remain legally independent as a wholly owned subsidiary of MTU. “This allows us to preserve what sets AeroDesignWorks apart today: speed, cost efficiency, and flexibility. As shareholders, we are supporting the company as it scales and continues to grow by providing access to our technologies and industrialization capabilities,” says Pfänder. The parties have agreed not to disclose the acquisition price.
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About MTU Aero Engines
MTU Aero Engines AG is a globally recognized expert in commercial and military aircraft engines. MTU‘s high-tech expertise ranges from the development and production of high-quality components to the final assembly of complete engines and the maintenance of aircraft engines and stationary gas turbines. In the financial year 2025, the DAX-listed company generated revenues of 8.7 billion euros. MTU technology can be found providing reliable thrust in one in three commercial aircraft worldwide. And every year, MTU maintains around 1,500 engines and industrial gas turbines. At currently 19 locations on five continents, more than 13,000 employees from over 80 nations contribute to safe global mobility. Together with other European engine manufacturers, MTU has also been ensuring and supporting the operational readiness of air forces for decades. To continue to benefit from the sustained growth of the aviation industry in the years to come, the company is investing in its expertise, industrial capacities and in future commercial and military engine concepts in Germany and worldwide. With the passion and innovative strength of its employees, MTU is shaping modern aviation – today, tomorrow and in the decades to come.