Rheinmetall launches Lynx 120 for mechanised fire support

Rheinmetall has launched a new mechanised fire support and antitank variant of the KF41 Lynx IFV.

The Lynx 120 ‘merges a tried-and-tested turret concept’ and a 120mm smoothbore gun (as used on the Leopard 2 MBT) with the Lynx KF 41 chassis, Rheinmetall announced on 18 February. The gun can fire DM11 programmable high-explosive ammunition.

Secondary armament on the Lynx 120 includes a coaxial machine gun, and a .50cal machine gun in the commander’s remote weapon station.

The new vehicle also features an open plug-and-play capability for future upgrades while adhering to NATO standards.

A 360° camera system with automatic target detection and tracking reduces crew workload and boosts situational awareness, Rheinmetall claimed.

Just as with the IFV variant of the Lynx, the new vehicle can be equipped with modular protection modules for a ‘mission-specific response to ballistic threats, improvised explosive devices, explosively formed penetrators and artillery fire’, Rheinmetall stated.

The Lynx 120  would also be the first armoured vehicle to include the Rheinmetall StrikeShield Active Defence System.

Rheinmetall gave no information on potential initial users of the Lynx 120, although it may decide to market the vehicle alongside the KF41 as a complementary platform.