Russia's frozen assets may fund next-gen Ukrainian IFVs
The CEO of Rheinmetall has confirmed that Ukraine will receive a batch of Lynx infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) in 2024, with the potential for more in the coming years. We examine the capabilities of one of the world's most advanced IFVs.
In an interview with WELT AM SONNTAG, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger stated that a batch of ten KF41 Lynx IFVs will be delivered to Ukraine later this year. He highlighted that Ukraine's requirements for this type of vehicle are around 3,000 units, so it's unsurprising that the German corporation is keen to secure part of this market.
In previous interviews, Armin Papperger mentioned plans to construct a factory in Ukraine capable of producing various products, including the Lynx. Additionally, acquiring a larger number of IFVs could be facilitated through loans from G7 countries or interest accrued from frozen Russian assets.
KF41 Lynx — Budget alternative to the Puma
Rheinmetall developed the KF41 Lynx based on its experiences building the SPz Puma. It offers a significantly more affordable alternative to the unique masterpiece developed for the Bundeswehr in collaboration with KMW.
Rheinmetall focused on similar core concepts but utilized available technical solutions to cut costs. The first iteration, the KF31 Lynx, which can transport six paratroopers, was publicly unveiled at the Eurosatory 2016 exhibition. In 2018, the extended KF41 Lynx was introduced, capable of carrying eight paratroopers and its three-member crew.
This modular IFV is heavily focused on crew protection, as evidenced by its weight of approximately 50,000 kilograms (110,000 lbs) with additional armour. The precise level of protection is currently unknown, but given its weight, which exceeds that of tanks in the T-72/90 family, it is presumably very high.
It might even surpass the protection levels found in the latest CV90 variants. Even the side armour can withstand fire from 30 mm automatic cannons and PG-7VL grenades. Rheinmetall only mentions reinforced top protection against cumulative bomblets from cluster munitions. Moreover, the passive armour can be enhanced with an active defence system that either disrupts missile guidance or physically destroys incoming threats.
Currently, the armament includes a crew-operated Lance turret with a 30 mm or 35 mm automatic cannon, offering an effective range of about 3 kilometres (2 miles), depending on the buyer's choice. It also has a dual missile launcher for Spike-LR anti-tank guided missiles, which have a range of roughly 4 kilometres (2.5 miles). These modern "fire-and-forget" missiles allow the Lynx to take cover immediately after firing, a tactic that the M2A2 Bradley with TOW-2B cannot perform.
It's noteworthy that due to the modularity of the Lynx platform, there is an anti-aircraft variant besides the IFV version intended for cost-effective countermeasures against drones and cruise missiles.
