Rheinmetall’s Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle To Compete For Czech Army’s BMP-2 Vehicles Replacement Project

Rheinmetall is offering Lynx infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) to the Czech armed forces’ modernization programme, which includes procurement of over 200 new medium-weight fighting vehicles to replace the fleet of BMP-2 IFVs.  

During comparative trials in Vyskov last summer, Rheinmetall entered the lists with a Lynx equipped with the Lance turret. The Lance turret’s main armament is a stabilized, airburst-capable automatic cannon, available in 33mm and 35mm versions. This lets the Lynx engage targets at ranges of up to 3,000 metres with precision, effectiveness and efficiency, even when on the move. The vehicle can also be armed with various antitank guided missiles such as the EuroSPIKE, which the Czech and German armed forces both have in their inventories. Other effector options include remotely controlled weapon stations as well as a package of advanced electronic countermeasures.

The Lynx infantry fighting vehicle is available in two versions: the KF31 and KF41 (KF stands for Kettenfahrzeug, the German word for ‘tracked vehicle’). First unveiled in 2016, the Lynx KF31 weighs up to 38 tonnes, and can comfortably carry a three-man crew and six-man section of fully equipped infantrymen in complete safety. Weighing in at over 40 tonnes, the Lynx KF41 is roomy enough to seat two extra troops. Both vehicles – the Lynx KF31 and Lynx KF41 – can be quickly and easily configured for other missions, including command and control, reconnaissance, repair and recovery or medevac operations.

According to company press statement, Rheinmetall wants to develop and produce one of the world’s most advanced combat vehicles in the Czech Republic. But the planned deadlines for commissioning are to be worked out in close cooperation, with development and production to take place in both the Czech Republic and Germany, it added.