- Yes
- No
Description: The KF41 Lynx is a modern German IFV made by Rheinmetall. The development started back in the mid-2010s, when Rheinmetall decided to start a new private venture in order to develop a new IFV for the international market. The first prototype of the lightest version, named KF31, was made in 2016 and was showcased to the public for the first time in the same year at the very well-known ground vehicles event, Eurosatory. After two years, the actual and final version of the KF41 was presented at the same event, where both the IFV and commander version were showcased to the public. It later took part in various competitions emitted by various countries for a new IFV, like the one in the Czech Republic, Australia, Greece, and others. Unfortunately, the vehicle lost multiple competitions and was not able to secure any order until it was chosen by Hungary, which ordered a total of 218 vehicles in 2018, with a new turret compared to the initial prototypes, a 12.7 mm APS, and a strike shield APS for 360° of protection. The first vehicle was delivered in 2023, and as for now, 45 vehicles in the IFV version were delivered to the Hungarian army. The second successful deal was with Italy, which was looking for a new IFV after the collaboration for the development of a new platform by KNDS and Leonardo ceased in June 2024. After the two companies broke the deal, Rheinmetall caught the opportunity of securing the contract offering to the Italian Army what KDNS refused to give (mainly the Italianization of the platforms, both for the MBT and the IFV). The contract for a total of 1050 vehicles was signed in November 2024, with an initial batch to be made in a foreign production line to speed up deliveries, with the rest of the Italianized vehicles to be made after that batch (the production of this later and bigger batch will be started in 2026). A total of 16 versions are to be manufactured by the new LRMV consortium, owned by Leonardo and Rheinmetall, each with 50% of the workshare. As for now, the programme advanced very quickly and one veichle from the Hungarian production lines was delivered to the Italian army for testing and familiariazion with the platform. For now, the Italian army has requested a total of 5 units in the base Hungarian version (Lynx OUR (Urgent Operational Requirement)) to be delivered by 2025, 11 units from the Hungarian line but with the Hitfist 30 turret to be delivered by 2026 and the remaining 1034 units will be made from the Italian new ifv based on the KF41 (that will arrive probably in mid 2026 if not later).
Why it should be in the game: while it’s hydentical to the hungarian one it should be good for having a second basically free back up of that unit (and it’s also the first version of KF41 used by Italy, so it should be included as this one is the Italian tt).
Specifications:
Sources
Riepilogo
Lynx (Rheinmetall armoured fighting vehicle) - Wikipedia
Lynx – The new-gen combat vehicle | Rheinmetall
Leonardo and Rheinmetall establish joint venture | Rheinmetall
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/01/02/italy-gets-lynx-fighting-vehicle-for-testing-ahead-of-first-contract/
https://aresdifesa.it/presentato-il-programma-a2cs-del-esercito-italiano/
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