Ukraine to benefit from Lynx effect, with first infantry fighting vehicles arriving soon

A deal that was signed between Germany and Ukraine last month is about to bear fruit, with the first production batch of Rheinmetall KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicles expected to be delivered shortly.

The exact value of the deal has not been disclosed, but the KF41s are being paid for by the German government.

In keeping with vehicles like the Boxer and Ajax, the Lynx can be configured several ways, but Rheinmetall is sending Ukraine the IFV version.

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Tracks - and a turret

These IFVs feature the two-man Lance turret and will be configured specifically for the Ukrainian armed forces.

The next step is to procure additional batches, including production in Ukraine.

"We are grateful for the trust that Ukraine has placed in us," said Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger.

"We would also like to thank the German government for its support. This order is a fundamental success that underscores our continued efforts to support Ukraine."

Bigger may well be better for Ukraine

Two versions of the Lynx IFV are available, with the KF31 being a smaller, lighter tracked vehicle suitable for lighter forces.

The Lynx KF41 meanwhile, the one Ukrainian troops will be receiving, is a larger, more capable and heavier variant with a greater payload and troop capacity.

The default armament of the Lance 2 turret is a 30mm MK30-2/ABM autocannon and RAMP missile launcher for the Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missile.

However, other weapons can be fitted, such as the 35mm Wotan autocannon. It is unclear which gun the Ukrainian Lynxes will be fitted with.

However, should it be the 30mm autocannon, this offers an airburst capability as well as an advanced fire control system.

Many variants, many users

As with many other modern armoured fighting vehicles, good communications and situational awareness are vital, so the Lynx IFV incorporates what Rheinmetall calls a "digital backbone" and open architecture for battlefield network integration.

The Hungarian defence forces are a key early adopter of the Lynx KF41 IFV, with deliveries underway and multiple specialised variants planned from the same platform.

And last November, Rheinmetall's joint venture with Leonardo was awarded a contract to supply 21 Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicles to the Italian army.

Romania, the Czech Republic and the United States have also expressed an interest in the vehicle.