KF41 Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle Delivered to Ukraine
Rheinmetall has officially delivered the first KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle to Ukraine, marking a significant milestone in defense cooperation. The delivery took place in December, and the Ukrainian military is currently testing the vehicle as part of preparations for serial production, according to CEO Armin Papperger. Manufactured at the company’s facility in Unterlüß, Germany, the KF41 Lynx is expected to enter mass production within Ukraine itself.
This delivery follows Rheinmetall’s strategic move to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities. In June, the German defense giant established its first armored vehicle maintenance and repair center in Ukraine, partnering with the local firm Ukroboronprom. Furthermore, plans are underway to set up four additional plants in Ukraine, aimed at enabling the country to achieve self-sufficiency in defense production.
Features of the KF41 Lynx
The KF41 Lynx represents a significant advancement over its predecessor, the KF31, which was first introduced in 2018. The vehicle is available in two primary configurations: an infantry fighting vehicle and a command and control variant. In 2021, Rheinmetall expanded its offerings with a combat support version designed to meet the Australian Army’s Land 400 Phase 3 requirements, focusing on maneuver support, logistics, and repair capabilities.
In addition, the company unveiled the Lynx 120 a year later, which serves as a fire support variant of the KF41. This model features a crewed turret equipped with a powerful 120 mm smoothbore gun, enhancing its combat effectiveness and versatility on the battlefield.
Protection and Armament
The KF41 Lynx is built with robust ballistic steel armor, providing critical protection against anti-tank weapons, medium-caliber rounds, artillery shrapnel, and unexploded ordnance. To further safeguard the crew, the interior of the vehicle includes a spall liner and blast protection seats, designed to mitigate the impact of mine and improvised explosive device (IED) explosions.
In terms of armament, the vehicle boasts a 30-millimeter automatic cannon with an impressive range of 3,000 meters (approximately 9,842 feet). Additionally, it offers optional weaponry, including an anti-tank guided missile launcher and a remote-controlled weapon system, allowing for greater tactical flexibility in various combat scenarios.
