Networked, Protected and Enabled IFV for Close Combat

As reported by MON yesterday, Rheinmetall’s KF41 LYNX is one of two infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) downselected to compete in the next stage of the A$15 billion (€9.3 billion) LAND 400 Phase 3 programme. The other vehicle selected yesterday is the AS21 REDBACK from Hanwha Defense Systems.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) needs a networked, protected and enabled IFV for close combat – to close in and defeat an enemy in the most dangerous and lethal environments. The LYNX KF41 is a next-generation tracked, networked and highly-protected IFV which meets the end user’s stringent military requirements.

Rheinmetall will deliver three LYNX to compete in risk mitigation trials to be conducted in Australia. If successful, the LYNX IFV fleet will be manufactured at Rheinmetall’s new Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) at Redbank south west of Brisbane.

“We believe LYNX is the best vehicle in its class for Australian needs and it sets new standards in protection, mobility, lethality and knowledge needed to survive and defeat any adversary,” commented Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director, Gary Stewart. “Rheinmetall has developed this vehicle so it is positioned at an ideal level of maturity when Australia needs it to enter service in 2026 – and it has the inherent growth capacity and a growth path to extend these capabilities through its 40+ year life.”

Rheinmetall is already delivering an Australian Industry Network for Land 400 that builds an industrial capability in Australia. This includes creating enduring high technology jobs for hundreds of Australians by localising design and manufacturing expertise in electro-optics, weapon systems, fire control and sensor systems, turret manufacturing, variant design and manufacture, integration, armour systems, simulation, training and fleet sustainment.

“Design, development and manufacture of the LYNX in Australia for the Australian Defence Force will build on the advanced manufacturing jobs at our new MILVEHCOE, as well as a strong national industrial network of Australian small and medium businesses across Australia,” stated Global Head of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Division, Ben Hudson.

Rheinmetall is delivering 211 wheeled BOXER Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) to the Australian Army from 2019, after the vehicle was selected by the Commonwealth following 12 months of risk mitigation trials by ADF personnel in 2016-2017.

Both BOXER and LYNX are modular. That means the vehicles can be reconfigured to achieve many different missions with high commonality. This allows for reconfiguration of the fleets for emerging operational needs, providing greater mission flexibility, reducing through-life costs, enabling faster introduction of new technology and optimising ongoing fleet management.

“Rheinmetall has taken all of the significant benefits of BOXER and ensured they are part of the LYNX KF41 package, with significant commonality between the vehicle fleets,” Mr Stewart added. “Extending our partnership with Army and the Commonwealth to deliver the LYNX for Land 400 Phase 3 would deliver a fully integrated armoured vehicle fighting force for the ADF.”