Milestone for the LYNX: start of production in Hungary

01/12/2023By Redaktion

Combat Vehicles LYNX KF 41 Tank Production

Rheinmetall's modern infantry fighting vehicle Lynx has reached the next milestone: The Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) began in the home country of the first customer, NATO member Hungary, at the beginning of 2023. This pre-series production is an important milestone that also includes the manufacturing of the Lance medium-caliber turret and other Lynx variants. Serial production (Full-Rate Production/FRP) is scheduled to begin in July 2023. Recruitment of qualified personnel and the acquisition of technical equipment for the Lynx competence center at the Zalaegerszeg location will continue throughout the year.

In September 2020, the Hungarian Ministry of Defense awarded Rheinmetall a contract worth over 2 billion EUR for the delivery of combat vehicles and related services. In the first production phase, Hungary is set to receive 46 Lynx infantry fighting vehicles and Command & Control variants, as well as nine Buffalo armored recovery vehicles from German production. In a second phase, 172 additional Lynx vehicles and support vehicles will be produced in Hungary in a joint venture. The first of these vehicles are scheduled for delivery in 2024. The comprehensive scope of delivery includes not only combat vehicles, but also ammunition, logistical services, and 16 trucks.

The state-of-the-art production facility for this innovative combat vehicle is currently being constructed in Zalaegerszeg as part of the ZALAZone industrial complex. It includes modern production facilities, a paint shop, internal logistics systems, and an automated warehouse. Additionally, facilities such as a powerpack test bench, EMC chamber, climatic chamber, underground shooting tunnel, and test track will be included. This competence center not only contributes to maintaining and further expanding Hungarian capabilities in the development and production of modern combat vehicles, but also strengthens the domestic economy. The new Hungarian Rheinmetall colleagues are already working on the Lynx vehicles in Germany, gaining valuable knowledge and skills that support the transfer of know-how and technology. On October 15, 2022, Rheinmetall delivered the first of a total of 209 Lynx vehicles to the Hungarian Armed Forces. The Lynx will become the backbone of Hungary's mechanized infantry forces.

RHEINMETALLon the Internet