Further market successes of the Lynx KF41 would be good news for the Hungarian Defense Forces.Continue reading
From now on, Hungary will be self-sufficient in the production of 30 millimeter medium caliber ammunition, Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said at the inauguration ceremony of the Várpalota Defense Industrial Complex’s medium caliber ammunition factory on Monday. The ammunition produced here will be used not only for Lynx, but also for the turret armament of other NATO combat vehicles, thus becoming an important export product, Honvedelem.hu reports.
The Russia-Ukraine war has shown that few factors are more important than having all the tools for combat, the minister said ahead of the start of the test run of the production line. “High technology is essential, but not sufficient to fight successfully. However, if there is ammunition, there is success,” he noted.
Ahead of Europe – new #Hungarian munitions factory strengthens our defence! ⬜️
️ Ensuring self-sufficiency in 30mm ammo for our Hungarian-made #LYNX IFVs, the Várpalota Defence Industrial Complex #boosts security and creates jobs. #Defenceindustry #MinistryOfDefense pic.twitter.com/00h0oFtYGm
— Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky (@SzBobrovniczky) July 29, 2024
“Hungary is a determined and committed country to building defense industry, defense and security,”
the minister pointed out, adding that last year Hungary had already reached the two per cent of GDP defense spending level that NATO requires of its member states. He recalled that it is less than a week since the Hungarian Defense Forces formally took delivery of the first Lynx KF-41 infantry fighting vehicle produced in Hungary, manufactured at Rheinmetall’s Zalaegerszeg plant. The Várpalota Defense Industrial Complex is also a joint factory with the German company.
Photo: Honvedelem.hu
He stressed that the 30 millimeter ammunition produced at the newly inaugurated plant is a turret gun ammunition for Lynx infantry armored fighting vehicles, but is also a priority ammunition type in the armament elements of several NATO member states.
Once production starts at this plant, Hungary will become self-sufficient in this ammunition type,”
he underlined. The plant will provide livelihoods for fifty workers initially and hundreds more once production starts, he added.
Armin Papperger, CEO of the German defense group Rheinmetall, thanked the Hungarian government for its support. He said that the German defense industry company would not only cooperate with the Hungarian state in production, but would also use the ammunition produced in sales.
There is a significant need not only for medium caliber, but also for larger caliber ammunition, that we also plan to produce,”
he added.
Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky and Armin Papperger (L-R). Photo: Honvedelem.hu
Speaking to Honvedelem.hu, dr. László Palkovics said that “from now on, we will be able to produce more than one million rounds of 30-35 mm ammunition per year.” As he said, the next development will prepare the production of larger caliber ammunition: 120 millimeter tank ammunition and 155 millimeter artillery ammunition, often used in the Russia-Ukraine war. “We expect to hand over the part of the factory where these will be produced in the second half of next year,” he said.
The military industry that we are building in Hungary has a much larger capacity than the needs of our army require, thus the new facilities will also produce for export, in addition to meeting domestic needs.”
“This is where it is important that we need partners like Rheinmetall, which has all the capabilities to sell the equipment,” he added.
Via Honvedelem.hu, Featured image: Facebook/Szalay-Bobrovniczky Kristóf