Rheinmetall and Ray Service sign LYNX IFV strategic co-operation agreement
Rheinmetall, the manufacturer of the LYNX infantry fighting vehicle in contention for the Czech Republic’s ongoing IFV renewal programme, has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Czech company Ray Service for current and future LYNX projects. The decade-long cooperation between the German and Czech companies has entered into a new phase expected to secure up to 50 jobs over the next five years.
The strategic cooperation agreement ensures region-wide support from Ray Service for Rheinmetall’s innovative LYNX IFV platform. Ray Service contributes to LYNX programmes through the supply of vitally important cable harnesses, electromechanical assemblies, and external lighting systems, as well as the supply of third-party equipment including Beth-El’s NBC system, Kidde Deugra’s fire extinguishing system, and tracks and road wheels from Defence Service Tracks.
Based in Staré Město, Ray Service started working with Rheinmetall in 2011. The company will support Rheinmetall through local content approaches in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia.
“Taking our cooperation with Rheinmetall to the next level is fantastic news for Ray Service,” says Jakub Gabriel, Managing Director of Ray Service. “Working on the incredible LYNX platform has been an extremely rewarding experience, providing us with excellent challenges and opportunities for knowledge-sharing and research. Our new strategic cooperation with Rheinmetall for domestic and export projects will secure up to 50 jobs over the coming years while improving our R&D capabilities and opening up global export opportunities”.
Rheinmetall’s LYNX is a leading contender for the renewal of the Czech Republic’s IFV fleet with 210 next-generation vehicles. A fully modular platform, the LYNX can switch quickly between various battlefield and peace-keeping functions thanks to its high inherent degree of adaptability and flexibility. In 2020, the LYNX was chosen by the Hungarian Armed Forces for a similar IFV fleet renewal programme.
“LYNX is not only a lethal, modular vehicle for the modern battlefield and therefore the right choice for the Army, but also a huge opportunity for domestic industrial development and economic growth,” says Oliver Mittelsdorf, Senior Vice President Sales at Rheinmetall Defence. “Over the past 10 years, Ray Service have been an unfailingly reliable partner, delivering outstanding results time and time again. Their commitment to innovation makes them the perfect supplier for the LYNX, and we look forward to deepening our relationship through this new strategic cooperation agreement.”
Rheinmetall’s commitment to the localization of production includes a pledge to use Czech components for more 40% of the LYNX KF41 if it wins the IFV tender. Other Czech LYNX suppliers would include MEOPTA, Česká zbrojovka and VOP CZ. The LYNX’s crucial Lance 2.0 turret system would meanwhile be built at Rheinmetall’s production plant in the Ústí nad Labem region, where it employs more than a thousand people.
About Rheinmetall
Headquartered in Düsseldorf, the publicly traded Rheinmetall AG is a high-tech enterprise dedicated to the twin modern imperatives of mobility and security. Founded in 1889, the group today consists of two operational components: Rheinmetall Defence and Rheinmetall Automotive. One of the world’s leading suppliers of military systems and equipment, Rheinmetall’s Defence arm comprises three divisions: Vehicle Systems, Electronic Solutions and Weapon and Ammunition. The group’s 26,000-strong global workforce generated sales last year of $6.9 billion.
