Hungary has finally formed its first battalion with Lynx IFVs
Hungary has completed the formation of the first battalion of 45 KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicles. This was announced during the IAV 2025 international conference in the UK.
Here's What We Know
The vehicles are being supplied under a €2 billion contract signed with Rheinmetall in 2020 and include the production of 218 units in various modifications.
The replacement of the previously retired Soviet BMP-1 and BTR-80A began with the delivery of 46 Lynx units as part of the first phase of the programme. Some of the vehicles were manufactured in Germany, while the rest were produced at the new Rheinmetall Hungary Zrt. plant in Zalaegerszeg.
The second stage involves the production of 172 units, including reconnaissance vehicles, self-propelled mortars and evacuation vehicles, exclusively in Hungary. It is also planned to create an air defence system based on Lynx with the Skyranger 30 turret system.
Lynx infantry fighting vehicle. Illustration: Wikipedia
During the tests, KF41 revealed technical problems, in particular with the emergency opening of hatches, which were promptly fixed. At the same time, it took time for the crews to adapt to the new technology due to their familiarity with old Soviet equipment.
The KF41 Lynx has a combat weight of 44 tonnes and is armed with a 30 mm cannon, twin machine guns, and an Israeli-made Spike LR2 ATGM. The vehicle is equipped with the StrikeShield active defence system capable of intercepting various threats and modern battle management systems, making it the control centre of an infantry unit.
Source: Defence Industry Europe
