German KF41 Lynx heads to Ukraine: A game-changer in warfare
The first units of the German KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle are expected to reach Ukraine as early as 2024. This German machine will be the Ukrainian army's most advanced infantry fighting vehicle.
The German KF41 Lynx will soon be part of the diverse equipment the Ukrainian army uses. Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger confirmed this in an interview. The first batch delivered to Ukraine will consist of 10 units, but Ukraine's ultimate need is estimated at 3,000 vehicles of this class.
The source of funding for the German assistance is not yet confirmed. The money is expected to come either from a loan provided to Ukraine by the G7 or from the interest on Russian assets stored in Western banks, which were frozen after Russia invaded Ukraine.
The KF41 will be the Ukrainian army's most modern infantry fighting vehicle. Unlike most of the equipment being transferred to Ukraine, the German infantry fighting vehicle is new and just entering service—countries like Hungary have already purchased it, and Italy is to order both the Lynx and the KF51 Panther tank.
German plans include the production of another armoured vehicle in Ukraine alongside the KF41 – the wheeled armoured personnel carrier TPz 1 Fuchs. Although the Fuchs design is old, it is still being developed and produced despite its age. Rheinmetall also intends to establish its own ammunition production line in Ukraine and produce KF51 Panther tanks.
KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle
The KF41 is a tracked infantry fighting vehicle developed by Rheinmetall. The vehicle is armed with a rapid-fire cannon of either 30 or 35 mm calibre, a machine gun, and an optional dual launcher for Spike-LR/LR2 anti-tank guided missiles. An alternative to the ATGMs could be pods with miniature drones.
The Lynx has a crew of three and can carry up to eight dismounted troops. The vehicle is approximately 8 metres long and weighs between 30,000 and 45,000 kilograms, depending on the configuration and armour. Its chassis can be used to build other combat vehicles, such as a fire support vehicle armed with a 120-mm cannon.
The KF41 Lynx is an export product – the German Bundeswehr has ordered a different infantry fighting vehicle, the Puma, also produced by Rheinmetall, for its own needs.
