Hungary to receive the first Lynx KF41 Infantry Fighting Vehicle from Rheinmetall this month.

On July 4, 2024, Paul Walf, CEO of Rheinmetall Hungary Zrt., announced that the first Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicle produced in Hungary had received its license plates. This development is part of the Hungarian Army's modernization plans, with the technical handover to the Hungarian Defense Forces starting a few days before the official handover of the vehicle, scheduled for the end of July 2024.
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The contract between Hungary and Rheinmetall includes the production of 218 Lynx infantry fighting vehicles for the Hungarian Defense Forces, with 172 to be manufactured in Zalaegerszeg. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

In 2020, the Hungarian government signed a contract with Rheinmetall for the domestic production of Lynx infantry fighting vehicles. The contract, valued at two billion euros, includes the production of 218 Lynx infantry fighting vehicles for the Hungarian Defense Forces, with 172 to be manufactured in Zalaegerszeg. Hungary is also set to receive 46 Lynx KF41 IFVs made in Germany, the first of which was transferred to the Hungarian military in October 2022. From the end of 2023, the remaining vehicles will be produced in Hungary by Rheinmetall Hungary Zrt., a joint venture co-owned by Rheinmetall (51%) and the Hungarian state (49%).

In the initial production phase, Hungary will be supplied with 46 Lynx systems configured for roles such as infantry fighting vehicles or command and control, as well as nine Büffel/Buffalo 3 ARVs, all made in Germany. Delivery of these vehicles has already begun. In the second phase, the joint venture will produce and ship an additional 172 Lynx systems and various combat support vehicles within Hungary. According to Hungary Today, the Defense Forces had planned to start using the first vehicles by mid-2024, indicating progress in the project timeline.

On July 3, 2024, Rheinmetall announced the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding to establish a 50:50 joint venture focused on developing a European industrial and technological approach to land defense systems. This agreement aims to industrialize and commercialize a new Main Battle Tank (MBT) and the Lynx Platform for the Armored Infantry Combat System (AICS) as part of the Italian Army’s ground systems programs. The facilities in Zalaegerszeg are expected to benefit from this agreement, which is anticipated to become one of the largest European defense cooperation programs in the coming years.

Rheinmetall is involved in Hungary’s “Zrínyi 2026” initiative, which aims to equip the country’s armed forces with modern, locally produced equipment such as tracked and wheeled armored fighting vehicles. (Picture source: Hungarian MoD)

Rheinmetall is involved in Hungary’s “Zrínyi 2026” initiative, which aims to equip the country’s armed forces with modern, locally produced equipment. The Hungarian Defence Ministry has contracted Rheinmetall to supply advanced tracked and wheeled armored fighting vehicles and associated services, as the German company considers Hungary a key market for Hungarian-made products. In support of this, a development, production, and test center is being built on a 33-hectare site in Zala County in southwest Hungary. This facility includes an EMV/CLIMA chamber and a firing tunnel. The plant design emphasizes industrialization principles, flexibility, growth potential, efficiency, advanced transport and logistics concepts, and production techniques. The quality control domain features a 3D measurement cell for automated component quality assurance. Over the next few years, an additional 350 jobs are planned at the Zalaegerszeg plant.

Further expansion in Hungary includes a new "hybrid" factory in southern Hungary, announced in March. This facility will complement Rheinmetall’s existing operations in Zalaegerszeg, Várpalota (where one of Europe’s largest ammunition and explosives production plants is under construction), and Budapest, where a digitization and software development center is being built.

Designed to meet modern military operation needs, the Lynx concept includes a family of vehicles built around a common drive module with flexible mission modules in various configurations, allowing each vehicle to be customized for roles such as infantry fighting vehicle, air defense system, command vehicle, or medical vehicle. This modular approach aims to reduce lifecycle costs and enable adaptation to changing battlefield conditions.

The Lynx KF41 Infantry Fighting Vehicle is equipped with a LANCE 2.0 turret with a 35mm Wotan cannon, as well as Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missiles. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Equipped with Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missiles, advanced fire control, optical guidance systems, and night vision capabilities, the Lynx's armor is notable in its class. The Hungarian army will receive seven variants of the Lynx KF41, including command post vehicles, reconnaissance vehicles, forward artillery observer vehicles, mortar tracks, field ambulances, and driver education vehicles. Its interior can accommodate three crew members and up to eight soldiers, supporting combat operations. The modular architecture allows for additional mission equipment or new variants within the vehicle family.

Powered by an 850 kW Liebherr engine and Renk transmission, the Lynx KF41 offers mobility, capable of navigating difficult terrains at speeds up to 70 km/h and covering distances over 500 km on 900 liters of diesel. Its Supashock-developed suspension system supports various mission kits and survivability packages. The vehicle is equipped with a LANCE 2.0 turret with a 35mm Wotan cannon for targeting. Additionally, it provides protection against ballistic and mine threats with modular survivability systems that can be upgraded or replaced in the field. Active defense systems such as the ROSY smoke protection and Rheinmetall's Acoustic Shooter Localization System (ASLS) enhance protection.

The Lynx KF41's digital backbone and open architecture support the integration of new mission systems, maintaining adaptability to emerging technologies and battlefield challenges. Its sensor suite, including the stabilized Electro Optical Sight System (SEOSS) and laser warning sensors, aims to provide battlefield awareness and automatic target recognition for quick threat responses. Capable of autonomous operation in degraded environments, the vehicle can synchronize with other units across various domains, making it a valuable asset in modern multi-domain battle scenarios. By combining protection, mobility, and firepower with a modular platform, the Lynx KF41 is designed to meet the demands of current and future combat environments.