ARMAMENTS

From August 28-29, the Hungarian Armed Forces hosted the International Air Show at Kecskemét Air Base for the first time since 2013. 

The exhibition focuses on its modernization programs. 

As one of Hungary’s most important partners, Rheinmetall was present at the event, showcasing some of its latest achievements in the field of weapon systems. In particular, the products exhibited by the company were:

• The Lynx KF41 family of fighting vehicles (IFV) 
• The StrikeShield active protection system
• The HX 8×8 heavy load transporter
• The High-mobility ground-based air defence Skyranger systems
• The unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) Mission Master XT

Lynx IFV

Hungary is the first NATO and EU member state to choose the Lynx KF41. A total of 218 Lynx vehicles have been ordered, most of which will be manufactured in Hungary. 

Also read: Hungarian armed forces establish a joint venture with Rheinmetall to produce Lynx infantry fighting vehicle – VIDEO

This advanced armored fighting vehicle was recently proposed in Greece in order to replace the obsolete infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) of the Hellenic Army.

Strike Shield APS

The Strike Shield active protection system is the latest generation of the Rheinmetall Active Defence System (ADS).

According to the company, the ADS is a distributed system in which the sensors and countermeasures are integrated into the contours and architecture of the entire vehicle. Among other advantages, the lowest emissions in the electromagnetic spectrum as well as the fastest, most secure, and most reliable reaction times in ambush and multiple hit scenarios set the StrikeShield apart from the competition.

It is noted that the Hungarian Army chose the Strike Shield to equip the Lynx it will receive.

HX 8X8

The Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) HX truck is a state-of-the-art semi-trailer tractor powered by an eight-cylinder 680 hp diesel engine. This gives the truck high mobility and four-wheel drive with a top speed of 89 km/h.

Also read: Rheinmetall-MAN HX3 | This is not just another truck – VIDEO

The technically permissible gross train weight comes to around 130 tonnes. A military-off-the-shelf series of products, RMMV’s HX vehicle family is designed for maximum mobility even in the most difficult conditions. Over 15,000 of these vehicles are in service worldwide.

Skyranger

Rheinmetall’s Skyranger systems, armed with a 35mm or 30mm automatic cannon as well as other effectors, can be mounted on wheeled or tracked armored vehicles like the Boxer or Lynx.

Also read: Aselsan | Modernized Oerlikon 35mm air defence gun to the Turkish Army – VIDEO

Mission Master

As recently as June 2021, Rheinmetall unveiled a new member of its Mission Master family – the Mission Master XT. Specially engineered to operate in extreme terrain and to carry heavy loads, the new AUGV will be on view for the first time at a tradeshow in Europe.

Also read: Mission Master | Rheinmetall unmanned vehicles change the rules of the game – VIDEO