The German defense company Rheinmetall has delivered the first Lynx infantry fighting vehicle to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with plans for these deliveries being discussed several months ago. This information comes from the publication Hartpunkt, citing a Rheinmetall representative.
It is noted that the IFV will undergo field tests before the serial deliveries of these vehicles begin.
As early as June of last year, Rheinmetall announced that it had signed a memorandum with the Ukrainian government to expand strategic cooperation. Specifically, the CEO of the company, Armin Papperger, promised to establish the production of German armored vehicles directly in Ukraine.
According to Hartpunkt, Rheinmetall publicly showcased the Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicle for the first time in June 2018 at an exhibition in Paris. Since then, only Hungary has expressed interest in acquiring a certain number of these vehicles for its armed forces.
The Lynx IFV is equipped with a manned "Lance 2.0" turret, armed with a 30mm MK 30-2/ABM cannon, and can be fitted with an integrated launcher for Spike LR2 anti-tank missiles. With its large internal volume, the Lynx provides space for three crew members and nine troops.
Rheinmetall Factories in Ukraine
As reported by UNIAN, in October, Rheinmetall's director Armin Papperger stated that four factories are being built in Ukraine, with the first one already operational at that time. He also promised that the factory would produce the first Lynx infantry fighting vehicle by the end of 2024.
Papperger also noted that Rheinmetall plans to build a powder factory and an ammunition production facility in Ukraine. But that's not all; the company also aims to manufacture air defense systems.