Rheinmetall’s Lynx IFV plant in Hungary: German defence company Rheinmetall officially opened its new factory in Zalaegerszeg in Hungary on Friday (August 18). The new plant marks a major milestone for Rheinmetall and underscores the Group’s commitment to the country. Rheinmetall said this cutting-edge facility will produce the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle, the world’s most advanced Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV).
Rheinmetall’s Chairman Armin Papperger said the opening of new factory in Zalaegerszeg is a significant step for the company and a sign of the company’s close ties with the government and armed forces of Hungary, an EU partner and fellow NATO member state.
“We’re proud to be part of the growing industrial community in Zalaegerszeg and look forward to working with local partners and drawing on local talent. Hundreds of people are working together here in Zalaegerszeg to produce top-notch military systems for the Hungarian armed forces as well as export customers,” Armin Papperger said in a statement sent to Defence Star.
Headquartered in Zalaegerszeg, Rheinmetall Hungary Zrt. focuses on the development and manufacture of state-of-the-art tracked and wheeled armoured vehicles for the Hungarian military, especially the new Lynx infantry fighting vehicle.
Rheinmetall’s Lynx IFV plant at Zalaegerszeg in Hungary, (Official Photo).
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Rheinmetall plays an important part in Hungary’s Zrínyi 2026 initiative, which aims to reequip the country’s armed forces with locally produced modern equipment.
The Hungarian defence ministry has contracted with the Dusseldorf based German defence company that produces high technology defence equipment for military to supply it with the world’s most advanced tracked and wheeled armoured fighting vehicles, including associated services.
According to Rheinmetall, it sees Hungary as a home market to be supplied with Hungarian-made products. In this context, a new, extremely well-equipped development, production and test centre is now being built on a 33-hectar site in Zala County in southwest Hungary, including an EMV/ CLIMA chamber and a firing tunnel.
“In designing the plant, special emphasis was placed on the latest industrialization principles as well as flexibility, growth potential, efficiency, the implementation of advanced transport and logistics concepts and cutting-edge production techniques. In the quality control domain, a 3D measurement cell will guarantee fast, permanent, automated assurance of component quality, setting a new standard here as well,” said the company.
Over the next few years, another 350 new jobs are planned at the Zalaegerszeg plant.
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Rheinmetall-Hungary contract for military vehicles
The contract encompasses production and supply of 209 Lynx KF41 in seven variants, plus 18 combat support vehicles, including Büffel/Buffalo 3 armoured recovery vehicles, as well as 38 military trucks.
In addition, the contract incorporates products and services such as simulators; training and instruction; and an initial stock of spare parts and maintenance support. Throughout the Lynx’s decades-long anticipated lifespan, spare parts and regular maintenance will be needed to ensure operational readiness.
Rheinmetall’s Lynx IFV (Official Photo).
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In a first production phase, Hungary will be supplied with 46 Lynx systems configured as infantry fighting vehicles or for a command &andcontrol role, plus nine Büffel/Buffalo 3 ARVs, all of which will be made in Germany. Delivery has already begun. In a second phase, a joint venture will build and ship a further 172 Lynx systems and various combat support vehicles in Hungary.
“The new factory will do more than just contribute to the regional economy. It will also promote innovation and the creation of highly qualified jobs. Looking ahead, Rheinmetall plans to keep investing in the plant in order to increase production capacity and integrate new technologies,” said the German defence company.
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According to the company officials, by setting up this factory, Rheinmetall is signalling its confidence in the growth potential of the Hungarian economy and the skills and abilities of Hungarian workers.
By creating jobs and fostering special knowledge, Rheinmetall is helping to further strengthen the Hungarian economy and defence industry, simultaneously establishing its ultramodern, future-proof Lynx infantry fighting vehicle – equipped with advanced high-performance sensors and the Lance weapon station – in the global market, it added.
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