Intriguing Cooperation in Fighting Vehicles Field

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The Hungarian Government has agreed to form a joint venture with Rheinmetall to manufacture the latest generation Lynx infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) in the country.

The deal, reportedly valued at more than €2bn, is part of the government’s defence modernisation programme to fulfil its Nato obligations.

Lynx is an armoured fighting vehicle developed by Rheinmetall Landsysteme (part of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems division). The Lynx, configured as a KF31 infantry fighting vehicle was unveiled publicly in 2016.

Janes.com evaluates that the new Lynx IFVs to be produced in Hungary will replace ageing BTR-80 and BTR-80A armoured personnel carriers (APCs).

Hungary is the first NATO and EU member state to select Rheinmetall’s new IFV. The company quoted Hungarian Minister of Innovation and Technology László Palkovics and Commissioner for Defense Development Gáspár Maróth, who is also the national armaments director, as jointly declaring, “As part of its commitment to NATO, Hungary is replacing its heavy ground forces equipment. Following the tanks and artillery, it is now the turn of infantry fighting vehicles, which form the backbone of the capabilities set.”