Rheinmetall Has Announced The Production of The Lynx IFV in Ukraine
The German defense conglomerate plans to launch the production of Lynx armored vehicles and other armored vehicles in Ukraine in 2024.
The company's CEO, Armin Papperger revealed this in an interview with WirtschaftsWoche.
According to Papperger, the company intends to sign an agreement with Ukraine for the production of the wheeled armored vehicle Fuchs and Lynx infantry fighting vehicle. It is worth noting that Ukraine already has a fully established service for German armored vehicles, as Ukrainian specialists have undergone special training in Germany.
The first wheeled vehicle manufactured in Ukraine is expected to be ready in six to seven months, while the first Lynx IFV is expected within twelve to thirteen months.
At the same time, Armin Papperger noted that Rheinmetall aims to deliver the newly built IFVs to Ukraine much earlier.
"The first ten Lynx vehicles are already being produced as part of joint production between us and Ukraine here, in Germany, or in Hungary. After a ramp-up phase, we should then quickly be in a position to produce a significant number of these vehicles entirely in Ukraine," stated Papperger.
Furthermore, the cooperation between Rheinmetall and Ukraine is progressing exceptionally well, according to the CEO. Currently, the German company is already one of Kyiv's largest partners.
In 2022 alone, the group received orders totaling about 900 million euros. In 2023, the amount increased to two and a half billion euros. According to Papperger, there will be even more contracts next year.
Recall that in October this year, it became known that Rheinmetall and UkrOboronProm had established a joint venture for repair and support of combat vehicles provided by Germany and other Western countries.
"The quickest satisfaction of Ukraine's urgent needs in its struggle for freedom and democracy is a matter of paramount importance to us at Rheinmetall. With its experience and capabilities, Rheinmetall has everything necessary to be a valuable and powerful partner for Ukraine in both the short and long term," stated Armin Papperger.
Earlier, The Gaze reported that in 2024, Rheinmetall plans to supply Ukraine with 25 main battle tanks Leopard 1A5 and several dozen other combat vehicles.