AVL Security and Defense

Technologies and Solutions for Next Generation Mobility in Security and Defense

Innovation and Responsibility Go Hand in Hand at AVL
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For more than 77 years, AVL has been continuously evolving as a company that not only keeps pace with change but actively shapes it. In today's rapidly shifting and complex geopolitical landscape, providing orientation and technological leadership is more important than ever. This is where AVL makes the difference – with many years of experience, foresight and a clear commitment to innovation and responsibility. 

Our expertise also extends to the security and defense sector, where we deliver tailored solutions for the unique requirements of land, sea and aviation platforms. By rapidly integrating pioneering technologies into new and existing systems, we help to improve the safety, autonomy and resilience of critical infrastructure. 

We provide comprehensive solutions for all types of powertrains, including internal combustion engines (ICE), hybrid, and electrified systems. Our expertise spans the entire development process – from initial concept to Start of Production (SOP) and beyond.

We offer advanced simulation technologies, engineering services, and state-of-the-art testing and measurement facilities and equipment. Our capabilities also include virtual validation, machine learning technologies, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and data intelligence.

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Security and Defense

We deliver comprehensive engineering solutions for next-generation military powertrains – including internal combustion, hybrid, and electric systems – all designed to meet stringent MIL standards. Our approach integrates advanced controls and software to ensure robust, mission-ready mobility solutions. At AVL, we develop autonomous systems for tactical and logistical operations, even in GPS-denied environments. Our expertise covers scenario-based design, validation, software and controls development, and the use of passive-only sensor systems.

We support the entire industrialization lifecycle – from ramp-up to obsolescence management – ensuring a seamless transition from engineering to manufacturing. AVL’s front-loading development methodology shifts design, development, and testing tasks into the virtual domain as early as possible.  

Core Competencies

  • Mobility System Design and Development
  • Autonomous Driving Solutions
  • Validation and Testing Excellence
  • Smart Production Engineering
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Our simulation portfolio empowers customers to accelerate the development of propulsion and energy systems for land, naval, and aerospace defense applications, with Digital Twins at the core. Seamless integration of advanced controls and software functions is possible directly within these high-fidelity simulation models. This approach also extends to autonomous systems, which can be designed and validated entirely in a virtual environment, reducing cost, complexity, and time.

We have a proven track record in delivering military-grade powertrains – ranging from internal combustion engines to hybrid and electric systems – designed to meet the highest MIL standards.

E-Motor

Building on our strong legacy in test instrumentation, automation, and complete testing solutions, we support applications across e-mobility, internal combustion engines (ICE), hybrid systems, hydrogen, and fuel cells. This expertise is successfully applied to the defense sector, where our tailored testing solutions address the unique demands of land, naval, and aviation platforms. 

Our technologies reduce efforts by enabling streamlined testing, Hardware-in-the-loop (HiL), virtual testing, and digital twin applications. The portfolio is continuously evolving and includes intelligent automation solutions, advanced software for data analysis, calibration, and cybersecurity solutions. We strive to support our customers in validating their systems more efficiently and accurately, ensuring successful system operations under dynamic and demanding defense scenarios.

Core Competencies

  • Electrified applications (E-Motor, E-Axle, Inverter, Thermal management, NVH, EMC, AVL Copper Bird)
  • ICE, hybrid and alternative fuel propulsion/powertrain
  • Hydrogen and fuel cell applications (incl. hydrogen combustion and fuel cell electric propulsion systems)
  • Battery performance and safety (incl. high-altitude endurance for aviation)
  • AI-based predictive maintenance (for engines and maritime systems)
  • Cybersecurity risk assessment and mitigation (incl. maritime cybersecurity resilience)
  • Autonomous and virtual testing environments (autonomous off-road vehicles, virtual off-road testing, powertrain testbed)
  • On-board power conversion and grid stability analysis (mainly for naval applications)

At AVL, we operate with a strong sense of social responsibility, guided by ethical principles, a long-term vision, and a clear commitment to contributing to a safer, more sustainable, and stable world. We engage only in projects where our mobility-related competencies add meaningful value. Projects involving firearms, ammunition, or strategic offensive systems fall outside our core competencies. 

Trust is the foundation of every partnership. That’s why we carefully select projects and collaborators, working strictly within defined ethical frameworks. By fully complying with export control laws and international regulations, we ensure our innovative solutions are both responsible and sustainable. 

Our global infrastructure and network of experts across all markets provide deep insights into the current needs of governmental and defense stakeholders, as well as relevant legislation. This broad perspective enables us to identify emerging trends, shape informed opinions, and anticipate future developments—both regionally and globally.

With over 70 years of cross-sector experience spanning automotive, rail, marine, and energy sectors – and long-standing partnerships with government and defense research agencies, defense contractors, and Tier-X suppliers – the AVL Security and Defense Solutions expert team is uniquely positioned to meet the evolving demands of security and defense mobility. 

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