Rheinmetall announced Thursday that it has begun the local production of Lynx infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) in Hungary.
The move comes a few months after the country received its first sample of the military vehicle in its basic IFV variant.
According to the company, the low-rate initial production includes the fabrication of the LANCE medium-caliber turret and additional variants.
“Rheinmetall’s new Hungarian colleagues are already working on the new Lynx in Germany, gaining valuable knowledge and skills that will facilitate the transfer of know-how and technology,” Rheinmetall stated.
The full-rate local production is expected to be carried out by the summer.
‘Backbone of Infantry Corps’
Rheinmetall’s Lynx IFV is a state-of-the-art, tracked armored vehicle with increased protection from blasts and enemy fire.
It is armed with a stabilized, externally powered 30-millimeter automatic cannon that can engage targets up to 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) away.
It can also be fitted with an anti-tank guided missile launcher and a secondary remotely-controlled weapon system.
According to Rheinmetall, the Lynx will form the backbone of Hungary’s mechanized infantry corps.
The country is expected to receive at least 200 of the IFVs in various variants.