The first battalion, equipped with 45 units of KF41 Lynx, is nearing initial operational readiness. This was announced by the Hungarian land forces during the international IAV 2025 conference organized by Defence iQ, which took place from January 21-23 in Farnborough (United Kingdom).
The delivery is part of a €2 billion contract signed with Rheinmetall for the supply of 218 units of these combat vehicles in various configurations, which was finalized in 2020. Thus, it took 4.5 years from the moment of order to form the first battalion.
These infantry fighting vehicles are set to replace approximately 500 BMP-1 units that Hungary decommissioned in 2003, as we reported earlier, and the BTR-80A, of which about 60 remain after selling 66 units to Serbia.
The supply is divided into two production phases: in the first phase, 46 units of KF41 Lynx are to be manufactured, with some being built in Germany at Rheinmetall facilities, and others at the local Rheinmetall Hungary Zrt. plant in Zalaegerszeg. The first phase also includes the delivery of 9 Buffalo ARVs based on the Leopard 2 chassis.
During the second phase, 172 Lynx units are to be assembled, all of which will be manufactured in Hungary at Rheinmetall Hungary Zrt., including reconnaissance vehicles, self-propelled mortars, and evacuation vehicles. Additionally, Hungary is considering the possibility of developing an air defense system based on the KF41 Lynx, particularly the option to install the turret system Skyranger 30, which we discussed earlier.
The first KF41 Lynx units under the contract arrived from Germany in 2022, while production in Hungary only commenced in 2024, and has already delivered 20 units.
During the testing of the KF41 Lynx in Hungary, several technical issues were identified, which were promptly addressed by Rheinmetall. Specifically, an emergency rear ramp opening system and a rear hatch on the roof were added. However, challenges arose not only with the technology but also with the crews. The crews found it difficult to adapt to the new technological equipment, as they were accustomed to the older BTR-80.
Regarding specifications, the KF41 Lynx has a combat weight of 44 tons, its Liebherr D9612 engine produces 1463 horsepower, and it can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h on highways. The vehicle's crew consists of three personnel, with a troop capacity of up to eight, and its armament includes a 30 mm automatic cannon, a paired 7.62 mm machine gun, and a Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missile launcher of Israeli manufacture.
Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with the StrikeShield active protection system, capable of intercepting various types of threats, such as ATGMs, infantry anti-tank weapons like the RPG-7, and according to claims, even armor-piercing sub-caliber projectiles. The KF41 Lynx is also outfitted with combat management systems, transforming the vehicle into a command center for infantry units.
Furthermore, KF41 Lynx has recently been delivered to Ukraine for testing purposes, and production may soon commence in Ukraine as well.