The first Lynx infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) to be built by Rheinmetall in Hungary has rolled off the assembly line at the company’s new armoured vehicle factory in Zalaegerszeg.
“Rheinmetall is steadily expanding its production capacity in Europe in order to meet growing demand from our customers and to support European security”, states Rheinmetall executive board chairman Armin Papperger.
“Opened in August of this year, our new plant in Hungary is the most advanced production and testing facilities for armoured vehicles anywhere in the world,” notes Papperger, going on to point out that it will further strengthen the Group’s global production network.
The 20,000 square metre factory was officially opened in August and is part of a €2 billion contract signed in 2020 between Hungary and Rheinmetall for the delivery of 218 Lynx KF41 vehicles and related services. The contract also includes the establishment of a joint venture company, Rheinmetall Hungary Zrt., which will oversee the production, maintenance and support of the vehicles.
The Lynx KF41 is a state-of-the-art IFV that offers high mobility, protection, firepower and adaptability. It can carry up to nine soldiers and is equipped with a Lance 2.0 turret that features a 35mm automatic cannon, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, anti-tank guided missiles and a secondary weapon station. The Lynx KF41 can also be configured for different roles such as command and control, reconnaissance, repair and recovery, and ambulance.
