First locally built KF41 Lynx IFV handed over to Hungary
Hungary’s first locally built KF41.(Photo: Hungarian MoD)
The KF41 procurement is part of Hungary’s Zrínyi 2026 development plan and is one of several efforts to procure modern, NATO-standard platforms that will supersede legacy equipment received from the Soviet Union by 2026.
The first Hungarian-made KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) was handed over to the country’s army on 24 July after a rapid manufacturing programme which only saw the factory open in August 2023.
Another sign of the speed of the programme is that the vehicle’s manufacture was completed five months later in December before the IFV underwent what lead company Rheinmetall describes as “extensive functional inspections as well as performance and quality acceptances.”
In August 2020, the Hungarian MoD commissioned the Rheinmetall Group to supply combat vehicles and associated services worth over €2 billion (US$2.17 billion) as part of its ‘Zrínyi 2026’ initiative.
The first German-made vehicle was handed over in October 2022 and local manufacture is carried out by Rheinmetall Hungary Zrt, a joint venture between Rheinmetall (51%) and the Hungarian government (49%) in Zalaegerszeg.
In the first production phase, Hungary will receive 46 German-made Lynx by the end of 2025 but ultimately 209 KF41’s are to be provided in seven variants including IFV, C2, armoured reconnaissance, fire control and mortar carrier.
Under a separate contact placed in December 2023, a Lynx air defence variant with a Skyranger 30 turret is also being developed.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Thales to supply 500 of its new Vehicle Mounted SquadNet Radios to a NATO country]()
Thales to supply 500 of its new Vehicle Mounted SquadNet Radios to a NATO country
The newly disclosed Thales UK Vehicle Mounted SquadNet Radio (VMSR) offers full interoperability with the soldier radio variant to provide secure and reliable voice connection.
-
![Pearson Engineering to supply mine ploughs and dozer blades for Polish Abrams tanks]()
Pearson Engineering to supply mine ploughs and dozer blades for Polish Abrams tanks
The contract follows news released in 2023 that a first customer had taken into service Pearson Engineering’s new Slice system enabling the interoperability of Front-End Equipment (FEE) between main battle tanks and dedicated engineering vehicles.
-
![Sweden to receive production Archer howitzers next year with capability expected in 2030]()
Sweden to receive production Archer howitzers next year with capability expected in 2030
When compared to some other wheeled artillery systems Archer has the advantage of quicker deployment and relocation as the complete fire mission is carried out without the crew leaving the protected cab at the front.
-
![Aselsan successfully tests Gökberk system against FPV drones]()
Aselsan successfully tests Gökberk system against FPV drones
The system had been previously proven to work against rotary and fixed-wing kamikaze drones, with Aselsan now working on new capabilities for Gökberk to counter UAV swarms.
