Rheinmetall Schedules Full-Rate Production for July
Low-rate initial production (LRIP) of the Rheinmetall Lynx IFV began in Hungary on time earlier this month – an important milestone for the Rheinmetall vehicle.
The pre-series production phase also encompasses manufacture of the associated Lance medium-calibre turret, as well as several vehicle variants. Full-rate production – in support of which recruitment and equipment programmes are now in full swing – is scheduled to commence in July.
The Lynx will form the backbone of the Hungarian mechanised infantry corps, with the MoD having contracted Rheinmetall in 2020 to supply vehicles and related services to the tune of €2 billion (US$2.15 billion) plus. The first phase involves delivery of 46 Lynx IFVs and C2 vehicles, plus nine Bergepanzer 3 Büffel armoured recovery vehicles from Germany (the first of which were handed over in October), followed by the manufacture of a further 172 IFVs and combat support vehicles in Hungary, with initial deliveries from 2024. The contract includes ammunition, logistic services and a total of 16 trucks.
The joint venture established to deliver this manufacturing capability is now constructing a high-tech factory in Zalaegerszeg, including modern assembly lines, a paint shop, internal logistic systems and an automated warehouse. Other facilities include a powerpack testbed, an EMC chamber, a climate chamber, an underground firing range and a test track. This centre of excellence will not only contribute to maintaining and expanding Hungary’s ability to develop and produce modern fighting vehicles, it will also strengthen the national economy.
