The Minister of Defence announced on Wednesday in Zalaegerszeg at a Rheinmetall factory event that the first Lynx KF-41 infantry fighting vehicle produced in Hungary for the Hungarian Defence Forces has rolled off the production line.

During the handover ceremony, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky highlighted that the war in Ukraine has demonstrated the necessity for every country to have a well-functioning defence industry capable of supplying the nation at all times and in all situations. Referring to the efforts to rebuild the domestic defence industry, he noted that the ongoing conflict in the neighbouring country has again proven that defence industry capacities, such as tank and ammunition manufacturing, cannot be improvized; instead, long-term development and planning are required. The minister elaborated that the once legendary Hungarian defence industry must be rebuilt, utilizing areas where Hungary excels and forming fruitful partnerships with allies to acquire what is lacking. The established factories need to be integrated into the national economy’s fabric, and the results of research and development should also be made available to the civilian sector.

As a result of this programme, Hungary is gradually returning to the class it belonged to: the professional league. The domestic defence industry is

already capable of significant, internationally outstanding performance.

The vehicles built here, like the Gidráns and various drones, are among the world’s leaders. The ammunition factory in Várpalota will be handed over in the coming days, he remarked. With these and future projects, the defence industry can take its place as a driving force in the Hungarian economy, not merely as a cog but as a cylinder, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky opined. He added that Hungary aims to ensure that its defence industry can manufacture all necessary equipment for the army. However, this requires reliable and predictable partners who understand the changes in the international defence industry, are at the forefront of developments, and can deliver at the highest standards while thinking and working together.

Hungary greatly values Rheinmetall’s role in global and particularly European security. Strength is needed to preserve peace, and thanks to the activities of Rheinmetall and the Hungarian workforce, our country has significantly strengthened, he emphasized.

The minister also mentioned that Hungary and its people can be proud of their achievements. Hungarian engineers, developers, workers, welders, and maintenance personnel represent our future, capable of unparalleled technical performance. Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky underlined that the Lynx represents another universe compared to the BTRs within the Hungarian Defence Forces. It is a combat vehicle capable of confronting all combat vehicles worldwide, including tanks. He noted that high-tech equipment deployment and, if necessary, combat requires highly trained soldiers. This is why the first ‘Man to the Iron!’ recruitment campaign was launched for the Lynx last autumn, resulting in a highly dedicated professional unit.

CEO of Rheinmetall Landsysteme Björn Bernhard mentioned that less than a year ago, the Zalaegerszeg factory was handed over, where the first Lynx KF-41, the world’s most modern infantry fighting vehicle, has now been completed. While not visible, much more significant developments have occurred behind the scenes over the past few years. Rheinmetall Hungary Ltd was established three and a half years ago, followed by the construction of the Zala combat vehicle factory as a greenfield investment, employing the most advanced manufacturing technology.

He also stated that other variants of combat vehicles, such as command and lead vehicles and ambulances, will be manufactured in Zalaegerszeg in the future. Additionally,

a new air defence system is being developed,

further enhancing Hungarian defence and European security.

CEO of Rheinmetall Hungary Paul Walf emphasized that both the Hungarian government and Rheinmetall have long understood how much the world and Europe’s security situation have changed. The Hungarian government has always prioritized the protection of Hungarian people and allies. The partnership and responsibility have resulted in an unparalleled example of defence capability development in Europe.

He added that Europe’s most modern factory, with development and testing capacities, can produce more than 100 vehicles annually. They currently employ over 220 people, with plans to hire an additional 200 Hungarian employees in the coming years.

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