Ukraine to receive first Lynx infantry fighting vehicle by year-end

Defense Express shared the information, citing Rheinmetall’s report.

Rheinmetall, a key supplier of weapons to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, has outlined several upcoming projects in Ukraine. In its mid-year report for 2024, released on August 8, the German defense giant highlighted significant sales growth, driven by increased revenue from military equipment sales to German forces, EU and NATO partners, and Ukraine.

Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger reported a remarkable 50% increase in sales during the second quarter of this year, stating, "We have never seen such growth. We also expect annual sales growth of around two billion euros in the coming years."

The report includes details about Rheinmetall's plans for Ukraine, with one notable highlight being the anticipated delivery of the first Lynx infantry fighting vehicle by the end of this year. While the presentation does not specify whether these vehicles will be assembled in Ukraine, it does mention ongoing discussions about localizing production.

Negotiations regarding the supply of Lynx IFVs and their potential production in Ukraine have been ongoing. As of June, it was noted that discussions were still in progress, and if successful, a "significant number" of these armored vehicles could be produced in Ukraine next year.

Additionally, Rheinmetall announced earlier this year the opening of the first repair and production site in collaboration with Ukroboronprom JSC. This facility will repair German Marder infantry fighting vehicles, with plans to extend repairs to Leopard 1/2 tanks in the future.

Last month, Rheinmetall also revealed plans to build a turnkey ammunition plant in Ukraine, with an estimated completion timeline of two years and a cost in the range of several hundred million euros.