Foundation Stone Laid for Lynx Fighting Vehicle Simulation Center

The modernization of the Hungarian armed forces is reaching a new level: in Hódmezővásárhely, southern Hungary, the foundation stone was laid for a simulation center for the Lynx armored vehicle on Monday. Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky spoke at the event of the “most spectacular development since the fall of communism.”

The Hungarian Defense Forces are rapidly transforming into one of the most modern armed forces in the region. At the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone for the new Lynx simulation center on Tuesday, the Defense Minister emphasized the importance of technological change. He stressed that the era of dilapidated Soviet technology is finally over.

Hungary is playing a pioneering role worldwide in the introduction of the Lynx KF41 armored vehicle.

Our country is the first to officially put the vehicle manufactured by German defense contractor Rheinmetall into service.

“We are leaders in the introduction, use, and development of the associated capabilities,” explained Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky. According to the politician, the fact that Italy and Romania have also turned to the Lynx clearly demonstrates that Hungary made the correct decision.

The new center, scheduled for completion by the end of 2026 or early 2027, marks a technological turning point in military training, as commanders, gunners, and drivers will be able to perfect their complex skills under controlled “laboratory conditions” in the future.

This modern approach primarily serves to conserve resources, as the highly complex Lynx vehicles are not unnecessarily worn down for purely training purposes.

In addition, the system significantly increases the efficiency of the troops. Tactical maneuvers and coordinated cooperation within the unit can be repeated as often as desired in the simulation without additional logistical effort. Ultimately, this training ensures maximum precision by specifically preparing soldiers for the use of state-of-the-art weapon systems, that must be mastered down to the smallest detail in a real-life scenario.

Photo: MTI/Oláh Tamás

The economic component of military modernization is particularly noteworthy. The Lynx tanks stationed in Hódmezővásárhely are not rolled off the production line in Germany, but in the western Hungarian city of Zalaegerszeg. Rheinmetall has established itself as one of the most important investors in the country, creating highly skilled jobs and technological expertise through local production.

For the Hungarian Defense Forces leadership, the project is part of the development of a powerful “heavy brigade.” The deputy chief of the Hungarian Defense Staff, Lieutenant General Ferenc Kajári, emphasized that the Lynx KF-41 was only introduced to the 30th Kinizsi Pál Armored Brigade, and that more vehicles produced in Hungary will be delivered shortly to fully equip the first grenadier battalion.

The armed forces have recently launched a successful recruitment program aimed specifically at young people with an interest in technology. Reservists now also have the opportunity to be trained on the new high-tech equipment for the first time.

A Rare Look Inside Lynx Armored Vehicle Production in Zalaegerszeg