German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has revealed plans to supply the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the latest Lynx infantry fighting vehicles, as well as the start date for the production of artillery ammunition in Ukraine.
These plans are outlined in a public presentation by the German company Rheinmetall on its development vision through 2030. However, this is not an official order, since no funds have been allocated for the production of Lynx IFVs in Ukraine.
Read more: Ukraine to Receive First Skyranger 35 Air Defense Systems on Leopard 1 Chassis Next Week
Most likely, this reflects Rheinmetall's internal vision, as the presentation includes not only Ukraine but also current operators, existing customers, and potential future customers. Overall, Rheinmetall estimates that up to 300 units could be supplied to Ukraine.
Regarding the timing of such an order, although a short-term outlook of up to two years is mentioned, it clearly refers to the start rather than the completion of deliveries. The orders are planned to start in the first quarter of 2026. This is indicated in a separate slide:
At the same time, progress in the project to produce artillery ammunition in Ukraine is planned for the same period. However, this timeline does not align with the deadline announced by Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, which is set for summer or the end of 2026.
IFV deliveries to Italy are also expected to commence in the near term. This is a very significant contract for 1,050 Lynx IFVs, which will take more than ten years to fulfill.
Brazil is listed among potential customers, which could increase its fleet by 143 vehicles over the next five years. Since the summer of 2024, the country's Ministry of Defense has been collecting and evaluating proposals for armored vehicles, although the plans for 65 tanks and 78 infantry fighting vehicles are already known. Rheinmetall has reportedly submitted a project to supply Lynx vehicles in both an infantry fighting vehicle variant and a light tank variant equipped with a 120 mm gun. A potential contract with Indonesia is also mentioned, but no additional information is available at this time.
The United States could become Lynx's main customer, with plans for up to 3,800 IFVs. To secure this contract, Rheinmetall must outperform General Dynamics Land Systems, which has also reached the final stage. At present, each finalist must produce seven IFV prototypes by the fourth quarter of 2026. These will then be evaluated, and the Pentagon will make its final selection for the M2 Bradley replacement.
As a result, Hungary is now the only current operator still receiving Lynx IFVs, with 209 vehicles on order. Italy and Romania, having recently made this decision, are also counted as customers, together accounting for around 1,350 IFVs.
Greece continues to be a prospective buyer with a plan for 205 IFVs, while Ukraine aims to receive 300. Among the potential buyers are Brazil, Indonesia, and the U.S., with a total of over 4,000 units. At the same time, deliveries to Hungary, Italy, Romania, Ukraine, and the U.S. must be carried out under the terms of localization.
Read more: What Are the Long-range Missiles Promised by Germany to Ukraine, If We Are Not Talking About Taurus
