Today, we’ll take a closer look at the KF 41 Lynx tracked infantry fighting vehicle, developed by the German company Rheinmetall Defense, which is now part of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
In early January 2025, it was announced that Rheinmetall had delivered the first KF 41 Lynx IFV to the Ukrainian Armed Forces for a series of field tests. Following these trials, a decision will be made regarding the start of mass production of this vehicle for the Ukrainian military. This is significant news, given the importance of infantry fighting vehicles in the ongoing combat of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Many countries are currently focused on developing new armored vehicles that can transport infantry and provide fire support. Some of these designs are being referred to as representatives of the new generation. This is the case with the latest infantry fighting vehicle from the German company Rheinmetall Defense: the KF 41 Lynx. Let’s take a closer look at this new development, which is already being tested by Ukrainian forces in real combat conditions.
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What is the KF 41 Lynx IFV
The KF 41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle is a modern IFV developed by Rheinmetall. It stands out for its high mobility, powerful armament, and modular design, which allows it to be adapted for various tasks.
The vehicle features a modular architecture, enabling quick configuration changes to suit different combat roles, such as reconnaissance, command post, or medical evacuation. It can also be equipped with additional armored modules to enhance its protection.
The German vehicle offers a high level of armor protection against small arms fire, artillery shrapnel, and anti-tank weapons. It also features both active and passive protection systems, including the StrikeShield active protection system (APS).
The KF41 (Kettenfahrzeug 41) Lynx is a next-generation tracked infantry fighting vehicle developed by Rheinmetall Defense for global defense clients. It is the larger variant of the Lynx family of combat vehicles, which also includes the Lynx KF31 model.
The KF 41 Lynx is one of the most advanced IFVs in the world, designed with the latest combat challenges in mind. It directly competes with well-known armored vehicles such as the M2 Bradley, CV90, and Puma, but offers greater flexibility in terms of equipment. This model is already in service in Hungary and is a candidate for adoption by other armed forces, including the United States and Australia. Now, it has also been integrated into the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
This infantry fighting vehicle is well-suited for modern conflict scenarios, offering high survivability, firepower, and mobility.
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History of the KF 41 Lynx creation
The development of the heavy IFV project called Lynx began several years ago. In 2016, Rheinmetall Defense revealed the first result of this project in the form of a prototype vehicle named KF31 (Kettenfahrzeug 31 tonnen – “Tracked Vehicle, 31 tons”). At the same time, they announced a second project with a similar name, KF41. It was clear that the KF41 would differ from the initial KF31 prototype by having larger dimensions and an increased troop compartment capacity. The goal was also to achieve maximum standardization between the two armored vehicles, essentially making them modular systems.
The premiere of the first version of the Lynx took place at the Eurosatory 2016 defense and technology exhibition in Paris. Exactly two years later, at the same event, the new KF41 Lynx IFV was unveiled. The prototype of the larger vehicle was presented to specialists and the public on June 12, 2018. After the presentation, the vehicle remained on display, allowing visitors to inspect the most anticipated model up close. Although a dynamic demonstration was not planned, the developer company released a promotional video showcasing some of the vehicle’s features and capabilities.
The KF41 Lynx project involves the development of a tracked armored vehicle with high specifications, suitable for mounting various weapons, equipment, and other systems. If necessary, the Lynx can be equipped with any gear that aligns with different tactical roles. Based on this platform, a heavy IFV, armored personnel carrier, command-and-control or medical vehicle, or even a repair and evacuation vehicle can be created, as all equipment is designed in the form of quick-change modules.
The full reconfiguration of the vehicle takes just 8 hours. Engineers at the German company anticipate that this will help reduce operational costs for various types of equipment and provide a competitive edge for their development.
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Variants of the KF41 Lynx IFV
The KF41 Lynx family of tracked armored vehicles can be configured to perform a wide range of tasks, including command and control, armored reconnaissance, surveillance, repair, recovery, or rapid response operations, in addition to its infantry fighting vehicle configuration. Here are the main variants of the KF41 Lynx IFV:
- KF41 Lynx Reconnaissance IFV
- KF41 Lynx Ambulance: internal layout adapted to transport a medical team and wounded soldiers
- KF41 APC (Armored Personnel Carrier): The IFV turret is removed, and the armament consists of a single remotely operated weapon station equipped with a 7.62mm machine gun. The rear part of the hull is raised to provide additional interior space.
- KF41 Lynx Recovery Vehicle: It shares the same design and armament as the APC version. The turret is absent, and a single crane is mounted on the vehicle’s roof.
- KF41 Lynx Command Post: This version was showcased in June 2018 during the Eurosatory defense exhibition in Paris, France. The turret is absent, and it features the same design as the APC version, with a new internal layout optimized for command and control operations.
- Lynx 120: This unique platform combines the proven turret concept and a 120mm smoothbore gun with the Lynx KF41 chassis. The new variant for mechanized fire support offers exceptional firepower and anti-tank capabilities.
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Design and protection of KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle
The Lynx KF41 IFV is, overall, a traditionally designed armored vehicle. The project incorporates well-known and proven solutions, while also introducing some new ideas. Notably, it features an armored hull with the standard BMP configuration, including a front-mounted power pack, a command compartment located behind it, and a large rear section for the infantry. Interestingly, the remotely operated weapon module mounted on the roof also occupies some interior space within the compartment itself.
The KF41 Lynx features a unique design that uses a common drive module and a flexible mission equipment layout, allowing any base vehicle to be configured as an IFV, armored personnel carrier, command vehicle, evacuation vehicle, or ambulance. The driver’s position is located in the front left section of the hull, and it is equipped with three large vision blocks that provide excellent forward and side visibility.
The latest German IFV features a hull with a relatively simple shape. Its front is made up of several panels set at different angles to each other. The upper front panel is larger and has a corresponding tilt. The vertical sides include slight sloping sections that form prominent tracks. The roof is installed horizontally. The hull’s bottom has a “mine-resistant” V-shaped cross-section. The rear section includes several large side boxes, with an entry hatch positioned between them for troop ingress.
The vehicle’s hull is welded from armored steel plates, with combined protection modules made of metal and ceramic elements installed on top. Given modern threats, the roof has been reinforced. To protect against explosive devices, a double bottom is used. Rheinmetall engineers rejected the idea of modular armor, opting for a more robust approach where the vehicle always carries its full armor, strengthening its level of protection.
The infantry fighting vehicle is equipped with an Active Protection System (APS) capable of providing 360-degree defense, along with the Rheinmetall Rapid Obscuring System (ROSY) to counter unexpected attacks. It also features ballistic and mine protection capabilities. The protection meets Level 5 of the STANAG 4569 standard, capable of withstanding hits from 25mm subcaliber projectiles at a range of 500 meters or the explosion of a 10-kilogram mine beneath the hull.
The KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle has quite large dimensions and significant weight. The length of the vehicle is 7.73 meters, its width is 3.6 meters, and its height (including the Lance 2.0 turret) is 3.3 meters. The empty vehicle weighs 41 tons, which is reflected in its name. The combat weight, including the crew, dismounts, fuel, and ammunition, reaches 44-45 tons.
The large dimensions and weight of the KF41 Lynx significantly limit the number of transport vehicles capable of carrying it, although it can be transported by certain military transport aircraft. However, due to its size and weight, it may not be suitable for all transport options.
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Engine and mobility
The KF41 Lynx is equipped with a powerful Liebherr diesel engine producing 1,140 horsepower, which is connected to an automatic Allison X300 transmission. This setup delivers torque to the front drive wheels. The high engine power compensates for the vehicle’s large weight. For comparison, the lighter KF31 model is equipped with a 750-horsepower engine. The vehicle’s design allows for multiple fuel tanks with a total capacity of at least 700 liters. The main tanks are located in the rear side compartments, while a backup tank is placed in the engine compartment.
The suspension system of the KF41 Lynx is built traditionally, featuring six small-diameter road wheels on each side, equipped with rubberized bands and mounted on individual torsion bar suspension units. Some of the wheels are additionally fitted with shock absorbers. Notably, the KF41 Lynx uses a lightweight steel track, making it almost unique in its class. The suspension system was developed in collaboration with the Australian company Supashock, which created new components. This suspension system allows the Lynx to be configured for transporting various mission modules and survivability packages without compromising mobility. The shock absorption system is designed to withstand extreme loads, and the bump stops are engineered to reduce intense impacts.
Thanks to its powerful engine, the KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h, with a range of 500 km. The KF41 Lynx is capable of climbing slopes up to 60% and side slopes of up to 30%. Additionally, the vehicle can cross trenches up to 2.5 meters wide, scale vertical obstacles up to 1 meter high, and ford water obstacles up to 1.5 meters deep. These capabilities make the KF41 Lynx a formidable combat unit on the battlefield.
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KF 41 Lynx armament
The KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle is equipped with the Lance 2.0 combat remote-controlled module, which is a full-sized automated turret with a gun-and-machine gun armament, a missile system, and a set of electro-optical devices. The turret is fitted with an external protective shroud of distinctive shape. The turret’s dome is complemented by a long shroud that serves camouflage functions. Some of the module’s components are located inside the armored vehicle.
The primary weapon of the Lance 2.0 turret is an automatic gun of a compatible type, with the capability to use weapons up to 35 mm in caliber. The fire control system allows for the use of guns with programmers and shells with programmable fuzes. This is expected to broaden the range of tasks the system can address.
The turret is integrated with the new electric gun Wotan 35, designed to fire Rheinmetall 35×228 mm caliber ammunition. It is also equipped with two flexible containers on either side, allowing for the installation of various subsystems. Wotan 35 is the latest member of the Wotan gun family, and thanks to its larger caliber, it offers greater range and penetration depth compared to 30 mm guns.
On the same gun mount, it is proposed to install the Rheinmetall RMG 7.62 paired machine gun, equipped with a rotating block with three 7.62 mm caliber barrels. The design of the combat module allows for full circular aiming in both horizontal and vertical directions within a wide sector, enabling it to target aerial threats effectively.
On the left side of the Lance 2.0 combat module is a launcher for two Spike-LR guided missiles. In transport mode, the launcher is concealed inside the turret, and before missile launch, it extends to the side. The pair of launch rails is equipped with vertical guidance drives.
The Lance 2.0 turret can also be armed with the proven 30mm Rheinmetall MK 30-2/ABM cannon and a paired 7.62mm machine gun. Another option is that the turret roof can be fitted with a remotely operated weapon system called the Main Sensor Slaved Armament (MSSA), which works together with the commander’s panoramic sight, and is paired with a 12.7mm M2QCB heavy machine gun.
The Lance 2.0 combat module also contains 16 smoke grenade launchers. They are arranged in two vertical rows of 8 each. The grenade launchers are completely hidden under the hull plates.
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Fire control systems
On the left side of the Lance 2.0 combat module is a launcher for two Spike-LR guided missiles. In transport mode, the launcher is concealed inside the turret, and before missile launch, it extends to the side. The pair of launch rails is equipped with vertical guidance drives.
The Lance 2.0 turret can also be armed with the proven 30mm Rheinmetall MK 30-2/ABM cannon and a paired 7.62mm machine gun. Another option is that the turret roof can be fitted with a remotely operated weapon system called the Main Sensor Slaved Armament (MSSA), which works together with the commander’s panoramic sight, and is paired with a 12.7mm M2QCB heavy machine gun.
The data from the optical devices is transmitted to the automated workstations of the commander and gunner. The fire control system is digital, providing full control over the weaponry. Standard communication systems enable data exchange with other armored vehicles or command units.
The primary sight of the gunner is a stabilized system with a thermal imager, laser rangefinder, and high magnification. The commander’s panoramic sight offers 360° circular observation, independent of the turret’s movement. The use of both thermal and daylight cameras allows the crew to operate effectively at night and in adverse weather conditions.
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The crew and the troops
The KF 41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle features a spacious and ergonomic layout, ensuring crew and dismount comfort while maintaining high combat effectiveness in modern battlefield conditions.
The vehicle’s crew consists of three members: the driver, commander, and gunner-operator. The driver’s station is located at the front of the compartment, just behind the powerplant. Behind it are the positions for the commander and gunner, both equipped with fully functional remote control panels.
The commander is responsible for managing the infantry fighting vehicle, coordinating the crew’s actions, and interacting with other units. The commander uses a panoramic sight with a 360° view, which ensures situational awareness, and has access to the fire control and communication systems.
The gunner is responsible for controlling the primary weaponry: the 35-mm Wotan 35 cannon, the machine gun, and the Spike LR anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) using a stabilized aiming system, laser rangefinder, and ballistic calculator. The gunner can also operate in “Hunter-Killer” mode in coordination with the commander.
The driver is positioned at the front of the vehicle’s hull, equipped with digital displays, 360-degree cameras, and a night sight. The driver assistance system with automatic movement correction aids in operating the infantry fighting vehicle more easily.
In the rear part of the hull is the troop compartment. In the case of the larger KF41 Lynx vehicle, it accommodates eight personnel. The troop compartment is spacious, with individual seats designed to absorb explosive forces. It is equipped with a climate control system to ensure the comfort of the soldiers in various environments. Armored windows and cameras provide enhanced visibility and situational awareness.
The seats for paratroopers are designed accordingly and are mounted on the sides of the hull, which helps reduce the negative effects of an explosion beneath the tracks or hull. The rear part of the hull features a large hatch equipped with a ramp that can be lowered. This ramp is a solid structure and does not include additional hatches. The roof of the hull above the paratroopers’ positions is fitted with two hatches. The troops can engage in combat through firing ports or by using the integrated communication system with the commander.
The KF 41 Lynx strikes a strong balance between combat capabilities and crew and troop comfort, making it an effective tool in modern warfare.
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Tactical and technical characteristics
- Dimensions: length 7.73 m, width 3.6 m, height 3.3 m
- Armor: standard spaced multi-layer armor. Protection against RPGs, 30mm APDS armor-piercing sub-caliber rounds and 155mm shell fragments
- Armament: 35 mm Wotan 35 automatic cannon, 7.62 mm twin Rheinmetall RMG 7.62 machine gun. There are variants with a launcher with two Spike-LR guided missiles
- Weight: in combat condition 44-45 tons, curb weight – 41 tons
- Engine: Liebherr brand diesel engine
- Engine power: 1140 hp (850 kW)
- Maximum speed: 70 km/h
- Operating range: 500 km
- Capacity: 3 crew members + 8 special forces soldiers
- Additional equipment includes an independent digital sight for the commander and a digital sight for the gunner, 360° television/infrared cameras, automatic target recognition and tracking, laser warning, acoustics, and shooter location determination.
The KF 41 Lynx combines protection, comfort, and combat effectiveness, making it one of the best infantry fighting vehicles in the world. These vehicles are already helping Ukrainian forces defeat the enemy on the front lines. I am confident that such a reliable and protected infantry fighting vehicle is crucial for our defenders. We are therefore sincerely grateful to our Western partners for their support and the supply of modern weaponry.
We believe in our defenders. The invaders have no escape from retribution. Death to the enemies! Glory to the Armed Forces of Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine!
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