Hungary’s first Lynx-equipped battalion will soon become operational

26 January, 2025 Hungarian KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle. October 2022. Hungary.

Photo: Hungarian Ministry of Defense Hungary is preparing the first battalion with Lynx armored personnel carriers for initial operational readiness. A senior speaker of the Hungarian Army announced this at the International Armored Vehicle Conference in Farnborough.

So far, the 1st Grenadier Battalion has received 45 Lynx IFVs: 25 from Germany and 20 made in Hungary at the Rheinmetall Hungary Zrt. facility in Zalaegerceg, which delivered the first Lynx in late July 2024. The unit, which is being re-equipped with German combat vehicles, was until recently an active user of Russian BTR-80A armored personnel carriers, which have lately started to be withdrawn from service.

Lynx IFV of the Hungarian military. March 2023.

Hungary. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Hungary

In addition, the Hungarian crews faced certain problems while mastering the new armored vehicles. They were related to a different level of crew interaction with the vehicle's systems and controls.

Despite this, the combat vehicle successfully passed the test. Additionally, during the testing phase, Hungarian soldiers identified some problems that Rheinmetall promptly resolved. In particular, the Hungarian soldiers were provided with emergency opening systems for the rear roof hatch and rear ramp, as well as improvements to the heating system.

Despite all the difficulties, the vehicle fully meets the military's needs and will continue to be delivered to the units. Currently, the newly formed 30th Separate Mechanized Brigade, which includes three grenadier battalions, is being manned. After completing the first battalion, the second and third battalions will receive new vehicles.

Hungary has become the first NATO country to order Rheinmetall's latest KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle. The agreement was signed in 2020 for 218 units, with a contract value of over EUR2 billion.

At the first production stage, the Hungarian Armed Forces will receive 46 KF41 Lynx and 9 Buffalo armored personnel carriers assembled in Germany.

In the second production stage, another 172 vehicles will be assembled at the new Rheinmetall Hungary Zrt plant in Hungary.

Along with the KF41, Hungary has placed an order for 24 PzH 2000 tracked self-propelled guns, which will be deployed to the 101st Artillery Division of the 25th Infantry Brigade, as well as 44 Leopard 2A7HU main battle tanks.