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The prime has commenced its delivery of the infantry fighting vehicles to a NATO member as part of a broader program which includes Australian-made components.
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Rheinmetall has announced the delivery of the first of 218 Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) to the Hungarian armed forces.
The delivery was marked by a ceremony attended by Rheinmetall CEO, Armin Papperger, who handed over the key to Hungarian Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky.
“We are very proud to be able to deliver the first Lynx infantry fighting vehicle to our partner Hungary today,” Papperger said.
“Lynx is the most versatile fighting vehicle of its class.
“In making this forward-looking procurement decision, Hungary’s top political and military officials have demonstrated leadership in moving Hungary at the forefront of European army technology and underlining the Hungarian government’s commitment as a reliable partner of its NATO allies, a policy which it is pursuing with systematic energy.”
Hungary is the first NATO and EU member nation to receive the Lynx IFV, which is in contention for Australia’s $18 billion to $27 billion LAND 400 Phase 3 project.
Rheinmetall’s Australia-based supply chain is also expected to support the Hungarian program, winning an export contract for locally manufactured Lance Turrets, to be included in the Hungarian Lynx’s command and control variant.
The export order is reportedly worth more than $100 million, and is supported by Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s (RDA) local industry partners — Milspec, Marand and Supashock.
RDA managing director Gary Stewart noted the benefits of the global Lynx program for the Australian defence industry.
“Lynx is the world’s most advanced Infantry Fighting Vehicle,” he said.
“As a global platform, being considered and selected by Australia’s allies, the Lynx program provides tangible and ongoing opportunities in Australia.”
The Lance Turrets used for Hungary’s Lynx command and control variant, is also used for Australia’s Boxer CRV, which has officially entered service with the Australian Army.
According to Rheinmetall, commonality between the Lynx IFV and Boxer CRV would provide a “cost-effective approach” to manufacturing, supporting the supply chain, training and collaboration.
“Delivering modern defence capabilities from Australia showcases the company’s production maturity, and ensures long-term skills development and jobs in Rheinmetall and its extensive supply chain network,” Stewart added.
The Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle is currently under consideration as part of the Australian Government’s Land 400 Phase 3 evaluation.
RDA’s Lynx IFV Is competing against Hanwha Defense Australia’s Redback IFV for the LAND 400 Phase 3 contract, which involves delivering up to 450 vehicles to the Australian Army.
Both vehicles have completed a two-year risk mitigation activity (RMA), with a final Commonwealth government decision due this year.
[Related: Boxer CRV project achieves IOC]
