Ukraine set to receive advanced lynx fighting vehicles in 2024
The CEO of Rheinmetall Corporation has confirmed that Ukraine will receive a batch of Lynx infantry fighting vehicles in 2024, with the potential for more units in subsequent years. We present the performance of one of the most advanced IFVs in the world.
12:12 PM EDT, October 26, 2024
In an interview with WELT AM SONNTAG, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger revealed that ten KF41 Lynx IFVs will be delivered to Ukraine later this year. He also highlighted that Ukraine needs this type of vehicle, which amounts to 3,000 units, and it's no surprise that the German giant aims to capture a part of that market.
In past discussions, Armin Papperger noted plans to build a factory in Ukraine capable of producing, among other things, the Lynx. Additionally, acquiring a larger number of IFVs would be possible with loans from G7 countries or interest from frozen Russian assets.
KF41 Lynx — Budget puma
Rheinmetall Corporation developed the KF41 Lynx based on its experiences building the SPz Puma as a significantly cheaper alternative to the unique masterpiece for the Bundeswehr developed along with KMW Corporation.
Rheinmetall focused on similar premises but utilized available technical solutions to reduce costs. The first result of this work was publicly shown during the Eurosatory 2016 fair as the KF31 Lynx, capable of transporting six paratroopers. In 2018, the extended variant KF41 Lynx debuted, capable of carrying eight paratroopers in addition to a three-person crew.
This is a modular IFV with a strong focus on crew protection, reflected in its weight of 110,000 lbs with additional armor. The exact level of protection is unknown, but due to its weight, even greater than tanks in the T-72/90 family, it is likely very high.
It may be even higher than the new variants of the CV90. Even the side armor can withstand fire from 30 mm automatic cannons and PG-7VL grenades. Rheinmetall mentions only a reinforced top resistant to cumulative bomblets from cluster munitions. Additionally, the passive armor can be augmented by an active defense system that either disrupts the guidance of some missiles or physically destroys incoming objects.
Currently, the armament includes a manned Lance turret with a 30 mm or 35 mm automatic cannon, featuring an effective range of 2 miles, depending on the purchaser's preference, and a dual missile launcher for Spike-LR anti-tank guided missiles with a range of 2.5 miles. These modern "fire-and-forget" missiles allow the Lynx to immediately hide after firing, something the M2A2 Bradley with TOW-2B cannot do.
It is worth noting that thanks to the Lynx platform's modularity, in addition to the IFV variant, there is also an anti-aircraft variant designed for low-cost countermeasures against drones and cruise missiles.
