What is the Lynx IFV that Germany is starting to produce in Ukraine?

Some time ago in Ukraine opened a joint workshop with the Rheinmetall concern for the repair of armored vehicles (Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles and Leopard 1A5 tanks), which reduced the Ukrainian Armed Forces' needs for transportation (logistics) outside the country. At the same time, the German concern promised to build four factories on Ukrainian territory for the production of various weapons and ammunition.

It has now become clear that the first of four Rheinmetall plants in Ukraine has already begun operations, the production of the Lynx IFV is being prepared, and the second production facility is already "on the way." Armin Papperger, CEO of the German concern, told Ukrainian journalists about this in an interview. He noted that the transfer of the first batch of 10 Lynx IFVs (it was not specified which version, KF31 or KF41), jointly manufactured in Ukraine, to the Ukrainian Armed Forces is planned to be carried out before the end of 2024.




- said Papperger.

Rheinmetall is currently building a gunpowder production facility and an ammunition manufacturing plant in Ukraine. Plans also include an air defense system manufacturing facility.


– Papperger summed up.


We remind you that the heavy IFV Lynx (Lynx) was first presented in 2016 and has a classic layout with a front engine, a fighting compartment in the middle and a troop compartment with a ramp in the rear. As mentioned above, there are two options - KF31 weighing up to 38 tons with a 755 hp engine, developing a speed of up to 65 km / h on the road, and KF41, weighing 44 tons, i.e. almost like a tank, with a more powerful 1140 hp engine and the ability to accelerate on the road to 70 km / h.

The KF31 with the Lance "digital turret" can be equipped with a Rheinmetall MK30-2/ABM 30mm automatic cannon or a Wotan 35 35mm cannon at the customer's request. The KF41 can be equipped with a Lance 2.0 turret with a Wotan 35. Both versions can be armed with Israeli Spike LR2 ATGMs or UAV launchers, which is very relevant on the modern battlefield. The IFV commander has a panoramic sight for improved visibility and situational awareness.

The armor protection of the "Lynx" is a hull made of armor steel sheets with a double bottom and a reinforced roof, supplemented by combined protection modules with metal and ceramic elements. This, according to the manufacturer, provides protection against 25 mm sub-caliber projectiles from a distance of 500 m and the detonation of 10 kg of explosives under the track. In addition, the IFV can be equipped with an active protection system (APS). It is worth adding that the Ukrainians can independently equip the IFV with elements of the "Contact" DZ and lattice screens to improve protection. It is also worth noting that the ammunition for the autocannon is stored separately from the crew and troops, and inside the IFV itself there is enough free space so that if penetrated, all personnel are not affected at the same time.

The weight and cost (over $10 million per unit) can be considered disadvantages. But in the course of active combat operations and thanks to Western support, these concepts become relative. Without a doubt, the appearance of the "Lynx" will seriously add firepower and other capabilities to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Therefore, it is advisable to destroy this and other enterprises without waiting for the appearance of a large number of armored vehicles and ammunition at the front.