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The deal was signed in December, and the first vehicles is expected to be delivered soon.
Germany and Ukraine are beginning to put a newly signed defense agreement into practice, marking another step in Kyiv’s effort to modernize its ground forces during wartime.
The deal, concluded last month, is now shifting from planning to delivery.
Early production of new armored vehicles is expected soon, though many commercial details remain undisclosed.
Agreement enters action
BFBS Forces News reported on January 13 that the first production batch of Rheinmetall KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicles (IFV’s) for Ukraine is expected to be delivered in the near term.
The German government is financing the vehicles.
Rheinmetall will supply the tracked infantry fighting vehicle version of the Lynx, rather than other modular configurations offered on the platform. The vehicles are being tailored specifically for Ukrainian operational needs.
The KF41s will be fitted with Rheinmetall’s two-person Lance turret, the company said, and further orders are already anticipated. Rheinmetall has also outlined plans to localize production in Ukraine as part of longer-term industrial cooperation.
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Why it can become a game changer
A big plus for the KF41 Lynx is that it will be built around a modular design, according to Wes O’Donnel, military technology and tactics blogger. and U.S. Army veteran.
The modular built means it will be possible to reconfigure the KF41 Lynx for different operational needs in a matter of hours.
With the situation on the battlefield constantly evolving, this could prove vital for Ukrainian infantry when countering Russian attacks or launching counter offensives.
According to Defense News, the KF41 Lynx is the Rheinmetall vehicle meant to compete against other well-known IFV’s such as the American Bradley and the Swedish CV90.
It is said to have superior protection, firepower and mobility compared to older designs of IFV’s.
Additionally, the KF41 Lynx is said to have enhanced survivabilty against mines and artillery, and the Russian army has used artillery fire as an integral part of its strategy in the war in Ukraine.
Focus on capability
United24Media reported that Ukraine has already tested at least one Lynx vehicle, with positive feedback helping pave the way for the production order.
The platform emphasizes digital integration, using what Rheinmetall describes as a “digital backbone” to connect with battlefield command systems.
The KF41 Lynx is already in service or on order with several countries, including Hungary and Italy, with others expressing interest. For Ukraine, the arrival of the Lynx represents another move toward rebuilding mechanized forces around Western-designed, networked armored vehicles.’
Sources: BFBS Forces News, Wes O’Donnel blog, Defense News, United24Media
