Germany's KF41 Lynx boosts Ukraine's military edge
Rheinmetall has delivered the first KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle to Ukraine, as confirmed by the company's CEO, Armin Papperger, during a conversation with "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung." This German vehicle will be the Ukrainian army's most advanced infantry fighting machine. The initial delivery is expected to comprise 10 units, but Ukraine's requirement for such machines is estimated at about 3,000 units.
The Ukrainian service "Militarny" reports that the German company's plant in Unterlüß produced the first KF41 Lynx combat vehicle and delivered it to Ukraine by the end of 2024. Papperger explained that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are currently testing it to facilitate a serial order as soon as possible.
KF41 Lynx for Ukraine
It is noteworthy that in June 2024, Rheinmetall announced the signing of an agreement to supply several hundred Lynx infantry fighting vehicles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It was also stated that there is potential for these vehicles to be produced in Ukraine in the future.
As Łukasz Michalik, a WP Tech journalist, has already noted, German plans envision that along with the KF41, the production of another armored vehicle—the wheeled armored personnel carrier TPz 1 Fuchs—will also begin in Ukraine.
KF41 Lynx - Modern infantry fighting vehicle
The KF41 Lynx is a state-of-the-art infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) developed by the German company Rheinmetall. The vehicle features a modular design, allowing it to be adapted to various battlefield tasks. The Lynx KF41 is about 25 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 11 feet high. Depending on the configuration, its combat weight ranges from 66,000 to 99,000 pounds. The crew consists of three people: a commander, a driver, and a gunner. Additionally, the vehicle can accommodate up to eight infantry soldiers.
The KF41 is powered by a diesel engine with an output of 1,140 horsepower, enabling it to reach a maximum speed of about 43 mph. The vehicle's operational range is around 310 miles. The standard armament of the Lynx includes a manned Lance 2.0 turret equipped with a 30 or 35-millimeter Wotan automatic cannon, capable of firing 200 rounds per minute. Additionally, the Lynx can be equipped with a 7.62 mm machine gun and optionally a remotely controlled weapon module with a 12.7 mm or 7.62 mm machine gun and a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. The option is also to mount anti-tank guided missile launchers, such as the Spike LR2.
The vehicle offers a high level of ballistic and mine protection, with the ability to customize armor for specific mission requirements. The modular design allows for rapidly replacing damaged components and adaptation to different roles, such as armored personnel transport, command vehicle, or ambulance. The KF41 Lynx has already been ordered by Hungary, which plans to produce 218 units of this vehicle, with 172 to be manufactured domestically. Italy also plans to order the Lynx and the KF51 Panther tank.
