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New Chapter for Ukrainian Armed Forces with Delivery of First Lynx KF41 for Testing.
The German defense company Rheinmetall has recently delivered the first Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) to Ukraine, marking a significant step in their strategic partnership. Currently undergoing field tests, the vehicle will allow the Ukrainian Armed Forces to evaluate its performance ahead of a potential series order. This announcement, initially reported by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, was confirmed by a Rheinmetall spokesperson on January 7, 2025.
The Lynx KF41 is equipped with a Lance 2.0 turret featuring a 30mm or 35mm automatic cannon and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun (Picture source: Rheinmetall)
In June 2024, during the "Ukraine Recovery" conference in Berlin, Rheinmetall and Ukraine signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening their strategic cooperation. This agreement includes the establishment of a joint venture for artillery ammunition production in Ukraine and the delivery of the first Lynx KF41 units before the end of the year. Armin Papperger, Rheinmetall’s CEO, expressed the company’s commitment to a long-term partnership, reflecting its growing involvement in modernizing Ukraine's military capabilities.
The Lynx KF41, first unveiled at the Eurosatory defense exhibition in Paris in 2018, is an advanced and modular evolution of the KF31. Designed to meet the demands of modern battlefields, it offers versatility through its modular architecture, enabling adaptation for various missions such as troop transport, command operations, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation.
Technically, the Lynx KF41 is equipped with a Lance 2.0 turret featuring a 30mm or 35mm automatic cannon and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. This configuration can also be augmented with Spike LR2 anti-tank missiles or loitering munitions, enhancing its ability to engage diverse threats. Advanced sensors and a tactical management system integrated into the turret provide operational efficiency in both day and night environments or low-visibility conditions.
In terms of protection, the Lynx is built with modular composite armor, adaptable to specific needs, offering resistance to anti-tank weapons, medium-caliber munitions, and IEDs. Active protection systems (APS) can also be installed to detect and neutralize immediate threats. Its design considers contemporary challenges, including munitions like cluster bombs, with advanced roof protection systems.
Weighing 45 tons, the Lynx is powered by a 1,140-horsepower Liebherr D9612 engine coupled with a Renk transmission. This combination allows the vehicle to reach a maximum speed of 70 km/h and provides an operational range of up to 500 kilometers. Its robust mobility ensures effectiveness across varied terrains while maintaining safety for its crew and passengers.
Though several countries have expressed interest in the Lynx, Hungary remains the only operator to date, with a 2020 order for 218 units valued at over two billion euros. More recently, Greece approved the procurement of 205 Lynx KF41s, while Ukraine has emerged as a key player, with local production plans announced by Rheinmetall’s CEO in December 2023.
The development and delivery of the Lynx also carry broader economic and strategic implications. Local production in Ukraine could reduce costs, bolster the domestic economy, and enhance the country’s military autonomy. However, achieving these goals requires overcoming logistical and financial challenges as Ukraine continues efforts to modernize its military arsenal amid ongoing conflict.
The delivery of the first Lynx KF41 to Ukraine represents a strengthened collaboration between Rheinmetall and the Ukrainian Armed Forces. With advanced technical features, modularity, and defensive capabilities, the vehicle could play a pivotal role in Ukraine’s military modernization efforts while influencing strategic dynamics within the ongoing conflict. This development underscores the evolving nature of modern armored vehicles and their critical role in addressing contemporary security challenges.