Rheinmetall to export Lynx IFV chassis for optionally manned demonstrator
Rheinmetall Defence Australia will build and export a Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) Test Chassis to the USA from its factory in Redbank, Queensland.
“The Australian manufactured Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle Chassis is a test rig destined for Rheinmetall’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) campaign to showcase advanced automotive capabilities in the Lynx platform,” said Managing Director Gary Stewart. The contract is the first of its kind and provides design and manufacturing export work both for the Rheinmetall team and its growing Australian Industry network.
“This is a landmark for Rheinmetall and Australia with the Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle test chassis to be manufactured at the state-of-the-art Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) at Redbank, Queensland,” he said. Importantly, he added, “this contributes to the Federal Government’s objectives as set out in the Australian Defence Export Strategy.”
The Lynx vehicle export order will be delivered to Rheinmetall in the United States, supporting the business’s worldwide activities currently underway in the OMFV competition and the US Department of Defense’s Bradley fighting vehicle replacement program.
The Lynx is competing against the Hanwha Redback for the Australian Army’s contract to manufacture up to 450 IFVs worth $27 billion under Project LAND 400 Ph.3. Final bids went in a few days ago.
“Lynx is a next generation fighting vehicle with unmatched protection and lethality. Rheinmetall has developed a next generation electronic architecture to ensure onboard sensors, systems and effectors are able to be networked into Defence’s broader network architecture,” Mr Stewart said.
“The new test vehicle will demonstrate advanced features of mobility.”
The Australian export opportunities for Rheinmetall increase with this contract and provide flow on for Australian Industry Capability (AIC) partners that contribute to the Lynx IFV.
“The AIC partners are the backbone of our Lynx manufacturing in Australia. We are proud to partner with organisations including:
- Marand – Roof module,
- Supashock – Running gear,
- MILSPEC – Alternator, and
- Bisalloy Steel and various mechanical and electrical fabrication partner content.”
Rheinmetall has previously announced export of the Lance Turret to Hungary, but this will be its first vehicle export from Australia.