By Smartencyclopedia with Agencies
German defense company Rheinmetall opens its first factory in Ukraine to produce the Lynx IFV, with additional facilities underway.
Kyiv, Ukraine – In a significant step to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities, German defense manufacturer Rheinmetall has officially launched its first production facility in the country, with a second factory nearing completion. Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, in an interview with TSN, confirmed that Ukraine will produce the advanced Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) domestically, with the first units expected by year’s end.
This initiative reflects Rheinmetall’s growing commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense needs by enabling local production of critical equipment. “We are fully committed to supporting Ukraine’s defense industry, ensuring that essential equipment can be produced and maintained within the country,” Papperger emphasized. As part of this expansion, the company also plans to build additional facilities for munitions and gunpowder production, bolstering Ukraine’s self-reliant defense infrastructure.
The Lynx IFV, introduced in 2016, is Rheinmetall’s flagship combat vehicle designed to perform under intense battlefield conditions while adapting to various mission requirements. Available in two configurations, the KF31 model can weigh up to 38 tons and is powered by a 755-horsepower engine with a top speed of 65 km/h, while the larger KF41 variant weighs up to 50 tons, equipped with a 1,140-horsepower engine capable of reaching 70 km/h.
Rheinmetall has integrated robust protective features into the Lynx, including ballistic steel armor with dual-hull reinforcement for enhanced blast resistance. The IFV’s modular armor design combines metal and ceramic elements, allowing it to withstand 25-mm armor-piercing rounds from a distance of 500 meters. Additionally, the vehicle’s hull protects explosive devices with up to 10 kg of TNT and can be fitted with an Active Protection System (APS) to counter anti-tank threats.
A central focus of the Lynx’s design is crew safety. Ammunition is stored separately from the crew compartment, reducing the risk of internal explosions if the vehicle is breached. The interior layout also offers ample space, ensuring that even if one area is compromised, personnel remain protected.
The Lynx IFV’s modular build allows for custom configurations tailored to specific combat roles, which streamlines training and simplifies logistics across the platform’s variants. This adaptability means Ukraine’s military can deploy the Lynx in various scenarios, from frontline combat to support roles, without requiring extensive retraining for operators and maintenance crews.
Rheinmetall’s expansion into Ukraine represents a significant milestone for the country’s defense industry, which has been working to fortify its capabilities amid ongoing security challenges. This move marks a notable collaboration, combining German engineering expertise with Ukraine’s strategic defense objectives, and sets the stage for further defense industry development within Ukraine’s borders.