The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing for 32 months, with no sign of a ceasefire in sight. The prolonged war has left both sides exhausted, prompting Russia to seek support from North Korea. North Korean troops have been deployed to the Kursk region of Russia, a move confirmed by South Korea, the United States, and NATO.
In Ukraine, the largest German arms company, Rheinmetall, has opened its first manufacturing plant, which began construction last year. The factory is now operational and is set to deliver approximately 10 Lynx infantry fighting vehicles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces by the end of this year.
Rheinmetall is constructing four manufacturing plants in Ukraine for producing various types of weapons. The first plant focuses on the production and maintenance of armored vehicles, while the second and third plants will produce gunpowder and ammunition. The fourth plant, currently under construction, will be responsible for producing air defense systems.
The Lynx infantry fighting vehicle is Rheinmetall’s flagship product, hailed as one of the most advanced in modern warfare. It comes in two main configurations: the light KF31 and the heavy KF41, with the primary difference lying in their chassis. The KF31 debuted in 2016, followed by the more powerful KF41 in 2018.
The KF31 weighs up to 38 tons, equipped with a 755 horsepower engine, achieving a top speed of 65 km/h on roads, and accommodating a crew of 3 crew members and 6 soldiers. The KF41, weighing 44 tons, has a maximum combat weight of 50 tons, powered by a 1,140 horsepower engine, capable of reaching speeds up to 70 km/h, and carrying 3 crew members and 8 soldiers. The KF41 is considered one of the heaviest infantry fighting vehicles globally, with its armor protection level approaching that of main battle tanks.
The Lynx infantry fighting vehicle is equipped with a second-generation gunner’s turret housing a shooter and commander, armed with a 30mm MK30-2/ABM autocannon that can fire various types of ammunition. The turret features two ammo rails each holding 200 rounds, which can be switched at the gunner’s discretion and potentially upgraded to a 35mm autocannon. Additionally, the turret can be fitted with dual Israeli-made Spike anti-tank missile launchers or other equipment such as airborne munition launchers and electronic warfare modules to enhance mission adaptability. In comparison to the Russian-made infantry fighting vehicles commonly armed with the 2A72 30mm autocannon, the Lynx’s MK30-2 offers greater firepower.
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(Source: Translated from original news article)