Rheinmetall Automecanica Plans KF-41 Lynx IFV Production in Romania
Rheinmetall, a well-established German defense company, has made a strategic choice in choosing Romania to manufacture the KF-41 Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle. This decision aims to strengthen the European defense industry and ensure significant independence in light of recent geopolitical conflicts. With large orders already placed by several European countries, Rheinmetall is looking to expand its influence by leveraging local expertise in its production lines.
In 2020, Hungary ordered 218 KF-41 Lynx vehicles as part of a contract worth around €2 billion, some of them produced locally by Rheinmetall Hungary Zrt. Today, the company is turning its attention to Romania with the idea of creating a true industrial ecosystem. This project involves the acquisition of Romanian car manufacturer Automecanica Mediaș, which will become Rheinmetall Automecanica. The initiative extends beyond manufacturing. The aim is to promote local sourcing and assembly while integrating Romanian expertise into the production chain. Partnerships are also planned with Uzina Automecanica Moreni, Interactive Software SRL, and MarcTel-SIT to bring this project to fruition.
Rheinmetall has partnered with Italy’s Leonardo to launch the Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV) joint venture. Together, they are to supply the Italian Army with 280 tanks derived from the KF-51 Panther and just over a thousand KF-41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicles as part of the AICS (Armored Infantry Combat System) program. This partnership clearly demonstrates Rheinmetall's desire to strengthen its capabilities by collaborating with major players in the European military sector.
In Romania, the strategy translates into an ambitious program to produce at least 200 new tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicles as part of the MLI program. The market is valued at over €3 billion, not including ongoing operational support. Competitors include BAE Systems Hägglunds' CV90, General Dynamics European Land Systems' ASCOD 2, Hanwha Aerospace's AS-21 Redback, and Rheinmetall's own KF-41 Lynx.
Production of the KF-41 Lynx will be handled primarily by Rheinmetall Automecanica. In addition, Rheinmetall Munitions Romania will be responsible for manufacturing ammunition for infantry vehicles and air defense systems. At the same time, the Victoria Explosive Powder Factory will supply the necessary propellants from a dedicated propellant plant. A Rheinmetall Center of Excellence will also be set up in Romania to facilitate technology transfer and provide local employees with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with these innovations. This center will be responsible for the maintenance, operation, and development of advanced technologies related to the Lynx vehicle.
The KF-41 Lynx stands out with its combat weight of 44 tons. It is equipped with a powerful 30 or 35 mm cannon mounted on a Lance 2.0 turret, complemented by a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, smoke grenade launchers, and Spike LR2 missiles. Capable of carrying up to 11 soldiers, it offers robust field performance to meet the demands of modern combat. Stabilised weapon systems and precise target tracking with hunter-killer capability guarantee superior responsiveness and striking power.
