Rheinmetall Reveals First and Second Hungarian-made Lynx IFV
Rheinmetall Hungary Unveils First Hungarian-Manufactured Infantry Fighting Vehicle
Rheinmetall Hungary has proudly revealed its first Hungarian-manufactured Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) at their manufacturing facility in Zalaegerszeg, Western Hungary. The Lynx KF 41 IFV was unveiled by Rheinmetall Hungary CEO Paul Walf in the presence of Minister of Defense Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky.
Just one year after the opening of Rheinmetall’s Zalaegerszeg factory, the first domestically made Lynx has rolled off the production line and was handed over to the Hungarian defense forces. CEO Paul Walf surprised guests by unveiling a second Lynx moments after the first vehicle.
In his address, Mr. Walf credited the success of the Lynx project to the shared determination between the Rheinmetall team and the Hungarian government, who committed to developing the Zalaegerszeg facilities in 2020. He commended the government for its support of the project, utilizing all available resources to enhance the defense capabilities of Hungary and its allies. He emphasized the importance of this endeavor, especially in a time when other nations have yet to recognize the significance of strengthening their defense capabilities.
Mr. Walf also hinted at the export potential of the project, mentioning that the modernization of the Hungarian armed forces through cutting-edge technology produced in Zalaegerszeg could benefit European partners in the defense sector. The facility is designed to produce over 100 vehicles per year, weighing up to 80 tons, according to the CEO.
Hungarian Minister of Defense Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky highlighted the need for highly trained soldiers to operate these sophisticated vehicles successfully. He noted that the Hungarian land forces have incorporated the Lynx into their recruitment program to attract new talent to the brigades operating the vehicle. New recruits have responded positively to the advanced technology presented to them, allowing for the formation of strong units within the army.
The tracked IFVs, equipped with a turret-mounted 30mm cannon, are also manufactured by Rheinmetall in Germany, with a batch of 180 slated to be produced in Zalaegerszeg. Alongside the new Leopard 2A7+ main battle tanks, the Lynxes will form the backbone of the Hungarian land forces.
Weighing up to 45 tons, the Hungarian Lynx vehicles are 8.49 meters long, 3.8 meters wide, and 3.73 meters tall, capable of carrying up to eight soldiers (or 11 with the crew). They are expected to be equipped with an active protection system that can neutralize incoming threats by firing an explosive projectile towards them.
The unveiling of the Hungarian-manufactured Lynx marks a significant milestone in enhancing Hungary’s defense capabilities and further solidifying its position as a key player in the European defense industry.
