Rheinmetall names date for transfer of first Lynx infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine
Illustrative photo: Rheinmetall announces delivery dates for first Lynx IFVs to Ukraine (rheinmetall.com)
Ukraine is expected to receive its first Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicles in early 2026. The delivery involves five IFVs financed by the German government, according to the press service of defense corporation Rheinmetall.
According to the company, the relevant contract was signed in December 2025. The value of the order for the first five combat vehicles "is in the mid double-digit million euro range" and is being funded by Germany.
The delivery is being carried out as part of support for Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
"The decision in favour of the Lynx KF41 was made after extensive testing of the next-generation infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). The IFVs will feature the two-man Lance turret and be configured specifically for Ukraine’s armed forces. The next step is to procure additional batches, including production in Ukraine," the statement says.
Rheinmetall also noted that the next step will be the procurement of additional batches, including production in Ukraine.
Rheinmetall AG CEO Armin Papperger stressed that the company is grateful to Ukraine for its trust and to the German government for its support.
According to him, this order confirms Rheinmetall’s long-term involvement in supporting Ukraine.
The company emphasized that the Lynx KF41 was developed to meet current and future requirements for infantry fighting vehicles.
The IFV features a modular design, an open electronic architecture, and the largest protected internal volume in its class.
Thanks to a scalable weight concept, modern protection systems, and a powerful powertrain, the vehicle combines high mobility with a maximum level of protection and provides enhanced ergonomics for the crew during prolonged combat missions.
What is the Lynx IFV
Lynx is a tracked platform developed and manufactured by the German company Rheinmetall.
It has two main variants. The KF31 (from the German Kettenfahrzeug, meaning "tracked vehicle") was first unveiled in 2016 at the Eurosatory exhibition. The upgraded and heavier KF41 version was presented in 2018.
The Lynx infantry fighting vehicle was designed for high-intensity combat operations. It has two main variants: the 38-ton KF31, capable of reaching speeds of up to 65 km/h, and the more powerful KF41, which is planned to be produced in Ukraine. The KF41 Lynx can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h and has a combat weight of up to 50 tons, depending on configuration.
The Lynx features heavy armor that protects against small arms fire, shrapnel, and certain types of explosions, allowing soldiers to move safely in combat zones.
The IFV is equipped with various types of weapons, including automatic cannons and machine guns, enabling it to combat enemy infantry and lightly armored vehicles effectively.
It also has modern navigation, communications, and fire control systems.
The Lynx is known for its high mobility across different types of terrain, making it effective for transporting troops and supporting logistics during active combat operations.
Rheinmetall previously delivered a state-of-the-art KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle to Ukraine in late 2024.
On June 12 last year, then Minister for Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin stated that Ukraine and Rheinmetall would jointly produce the first Lynx IFV by the end of the year. No further information on this has been reported so far.
