The KF51 Panther, the new under-development armored fighting vehicle, was on display at the ceremonial launch event of the German-Hungarian joint venture.Continue reading
Hungarian engineers have contributed to the development of the new German Panther supertank since the end of summer. Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky shared key insights, emphasizing the deepened cooperation with Rheinmetall, the renowned manufacturer of Leopard and Lynx tanks.
This collaboration marks a substantial advancement, with Rheinmetall actively participating in Hungary’s engineering ingenuity. The project aligns with Hungary’s commitment to
enhancing military R&D capabilities, a declared goal in its military development strategy.
The KF51 Panther boasts advanced features, including 360-degree digital cameras, a drone launch platform, and reactive protection. Notably, it provides resistance against anti-tank weapons like Javelin missiles, proving effective in countering threats seen in the Russian tank fleet in Ukraine. The supertank’s standout feature is its innovative 130mm main gun, offering a remarkable 50% increase in range compared to the current 120mm standard.
While similar weapons were considered in the 1990s, geopolitical dynamics shifted, and the need waned with reconciliation efforts. However, the landscape has changed, marked by Russia’s T-14 Armata, equipped with a 125mm gun since 2015.
Rheinmetall is explicit that the Panther is the solution to current military challenges.
The KF51 was unveiled last year. In 2020, an agreement was reached on the purchase of around 218 Rheinmetall Lynx KF41 combat vehicles for the Hungarian Defense Forces. Under the terms of the contract, all but the first 46 units will be produced in Hungary.
Via: Világgazdaság; Featured Image: Wikipedia