The Hungarian Defense Force just got the first unit of Lynx KF-41 Infantry Fighting Vehicle manufactured by the Rheinmetall firm.
Viktor Orban, Hungary's prime minister, oversaw the arrival of the first IFV unit, making Budapest the first NATO and European nation to possess the cutting-edge medium-weight armored vehicle and combat system.
Hungary Arms Up as Borders Heat Up
The other 46 Lynx IFVs from the German company will be delivered after the initial unit, reported The Defense Post. By the end of 2022, the company will begin transporting the remaining units out of its Hungarian centers.
CEO of Rheinmetall AG, Armin Papperger, said that the company is honored to provide their partner, Hungary, with its first Lynx infantry fighting vehicle today, marking an important, pivotal moment.
He remarked that by making this acquisition, Hungary's top political and military officials had all demonstrated a desire to push their country to the forefront of European army technology. It highlights the Hungarian administration's commitment to acting as a reliable ally to its NATO allies, a policy it is implementing with systematic determination, citing Army Technology.
The Mainstay of Hungary
Shipment is the result of a two-billion-euro ($2 million) agreement that Rheinmetall and the Hungarian Ministry of Defense signed two years ago.
Under the contract, Rheinmetall will build 209 Lynx KF-41 Infantry Fighting Vehicle in variations such as joint fire observer, mortar carrier, command post, field ambulance, and driver trainer. The contract also involves offering related equipment, such as instruction, simulation software, replacement parts, and upkeep assistance for the Hungarian Defense Force.
When incorporated into the Hungarian defense forces, this same Lynx fleet is anticipated to "become the foundation of Hungary's highly mechanized ground forces."
Lynx Next-Gen Infantry Fighting Vehicle
The medium IFV comes in a variety of configurations, including one with a manned 30-millimeter Lance turret, a light 7.62-millimeter light gun, deployable smoke grenades, or the tank-killing Spike 2 LR or drone canisters.
Up to three crew members and eight infantry dismounts can fit in every unit. Added options for the Lynx; Hungary is outfitting 209 of its new IFVs with the StrikeShield hard-kill active protection system (APS), made by the German defense contractor Rheinmetall.
Hungary purchased medium-armored units last year that will be fitted with the StrikeShield APS, which utilizes sensors, defensive measures, and higher processing elements to address these challenges near the chassis. The overall cost of this boost is 140 million euros ($171 million), per Army Recognition.
Other solutions, such as fast detection and early warning recognition, offer all-around protection with little collateral harm.
According to a press release from the company, Budapest's decision to equip IFVs with StrikeShield is motivated by its dedication to participating in challenging missions where current anti-tank weapon systems present a significant risk.
The StrikeShield is a third-generation hard-kill APS that uses the "Active Defense System (ADS) technology" developed by a German defense company.
According to the manufacturer, it offers the industry's lowest electromagnetic spectrum output and the quickest recovery time in ambush and multiple-hit scenarios. To mechanically combine the StrikeShield APS into the Lynx's hybrid armored tiles, the company developed the Lynx IFV as a viable medium-weight IFV.
Hungarian Defense Force and getting the Lynx KF-41 Infantry Fighting Vehicle for its infantry offers advantages with several variants.