Romania Finalises Purchase of 298 Lynx IFVs in Landmark Deal with Germany’s Rheinmetall

Romania has officially confirmed the acquisition of 298 Lynx infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) from Germany’s Rheinmetall, marking one of the most significant defence procurements in the country’s modern history. According to Euronews Romania, the package includes 46 specialist variants built on the same chassis, while a substantial portion of the production will take place inside Romania. The agreement underscores Bucharest’s commitment to revitalising its land forces amid increasing regional security concerns.

Replacing Ageing Soviet-Era MLI-84 Fleet

The contract concludes a multi-year effort to replace Romania’s ageing MLI-84 and MLI-84M Jderul platforms — armoured vehicles based on Soviet-era designs that have long surpassed their operational life. The modernisation initiative began formally in July 2025, initially setting a requirement of 246 IFVs with a projected cost of €2.55 billion, along with options for an additional 52 vehicles. The final confirmed figure of 298 suggests Romania has opted to exercise nearly all available options.

High-Level Dialogue Between Bucharest and Düsseldorf

The decision followed a pivotal visit to Bucharest by Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, who held discussions with Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, Economy Minister Radu Miruță, and Defence Minister Ionuț Moșteanu.
“This is a very important day for Romania and the national defence industry,” Prime Minister Bolojan affirmed.

Economy Minister Miruță emphasised the industrial benefits:
“We are talking about a project in which most of the production will take place in Romania,” he noted, highlighting the strengthening of the country’s defence manufacturing capabilities.

A Growing Romania–Rheinmetall Partnership

The Lynx IFV acquisition builds on an expanding defence collaboration between Romania and the German manufacturer. Prior agreements include joint production of medium-calibre ammunition and plans for a propellant plant. Euronews has called the Lynx deal “the main joint project” between the Romanian state and Rheinmetall.

The Lynx KF41: Romania’s New Armoured Backbone

The KF41 Lynx is Rheinmetall’s latest-generation tracked IFV, offering modular architecture, advanced armour protection, digital battlefield systems, and high mobility. The platform supports a 30mm or 35mm autocannon, anti-tank missiles, active protection systems, and upgraded sensor suites. Romania’s 46 specialist variants are expected to include command, recovery, medevac, and engineering support vehicles.

Analysts highlight several advantages:

• Modern battlefield survivability

• Full NATO-standard digital integration

• Domestic assembly and maintenance potential

• Long-term industrial cooperation

Intense Competition at BSDA 2024

The procurement battle peaked at the Black Sea Defence & Aerospace Exhibition (BSDA) 2024 in Bucharest. Romania’s evaluation included leading international contenders such as:

• BAE Systems’ CV90 Mk IV

• Hanwha’s AS21 Redback

• GDELS’ ASCOD 2

• Poland’s Borsuk

• Türkiye’s Tulpar

The Lynx ultimately prevailed due to its design maturity, modular configuration, and strong industrial partnerships offered to Romania.

Romania’s Broader Defence Modernisation Push

The Lynx IFV deal forms part of Romania’s wider effort to modernise its armed forces, alongside recent acquisitions of F-16 fighters, Patriot air defence systems, HIMARS launchers, and ongoing planning for F-35 procurement. As tensions remain elevated in Eastern Europe, Romania is accelerating its transition toward a fully modern, NATO-interoperable military.

With nearly 300 Lynx IFVs set to enter production — many built on Romanian soil — the country is preparing for one of the most significant upgrades to its ground forces since the Cold War.