Rheinmetall announced on Tuesday that Rheinmetall delivered the first of 209 Lynx infantry fighting vehicles to the Hungarian Defense Forces (HDF) last week.
“Just two years after placing the order, Rheinmetall AG CEO Armin Papperger handed the keys to Hungarian Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky,” the news release said.
The company said the handover took place during the swearing-in ceremony of new enlisted volunteers of the Hungarian Self-Defense Forces at the Petöfi Sándor Barracks in Budapest. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán also attended the ceremony. The Lynx would become the mainstay of Hungary’s mechanized infantry.
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Armin Papperger said: “We are very proud to be able to deliver the first Lynx infantry fighting vehicle to our Hungarian partner today. “This is an important milestone. The Lynx is the most versatile combat vehicle of its kind. In making this forward-looking procurement decision, top Hungarian political and military officials demonstrated leadership in putting Hungary at the forefront of European military technology and underscored their commitment to Hungary’s government as a reliable partner of its NATO allies, a policy the country is pursuing. systematic energy. “
In September 2020, the Hungarian Ministry of Defense awarded Rheinmetall an order for the supply of infantry fighting vehicles and related products and services totaling more than 2 billion Euros. The overall delivery package includes ammunition and logistics, as well as 9 modern Buffalo armored recovery vehicles, 9 armored rocket launchers (AVLBs) and 16 trucks. Hungary is the first NATO and EU member state to receive Rheinmetall’s newly developed Lynx modular medium combat system. This important contract represents a major breakthrough in the global defense market for the innovative new combat vehicle from the Düsseldorf-based technology group.
Lynx KF41 for HDF is offered in seven variants including standard infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), command post, reconnaissance, combined fire observation, mortar carrier, field ambulance and vehicle driver training. The contract also includes additional Rheinmetall products and services such as simulators, training and tutorials, plus an initial supply of spare parts and maintenance support.
The Lynx IFV is equipped with a manned 30mm Lance turret, as well as the StrikeShield integrated active protection system, both developed by Rheinmetall.
The first batch of 46 Lynx cars will be delivered from Rheinmetall’s plants in Germany. At the end of next year, Rheinmetall will start delivering the remaining cars from their Hungarian plant. Ultimately, the Hungarian government and Rheinmetall agreed in August 2020 to form a joint venture responsible for creating a Lynx production facility in Hungary. The most modern production facility for advanced combat vehicles is currently being built in Zalaegerszeg as part of the ZALAZone industrial complex.
Modern facilities not only contribute to preserving and further expanding Hungary’s ability to develop and produce modern combat vehicles, but also strengthen the local economy. New Hungarian Rheinmetall colleagues are working on the new Lynx cars in Germany, gaining valuable knowledge and skills that will aid in the transfer of know-how and technology.
