Rheinmetall's Lynx just became the first European heavy armoured vehicle competing for a U.S. Army contract in decades.
Top story
Rheinmetall delivers first Lynx XM30 prototype to U.S. Army for Bradley replacement trials. American Rheinmetall delivered the first of eight Lynx XM30 prototypes to the U.S. Army on September 1, entering government-led testing under the $764 million Phase 3/4 Engineering and Manufacturing Development contract. The hybrid-electric infantry fighting vehicle is competing against General Dynamics Land Systems to replace the M2 Bradley. Deliveries of the remaining seven prototypes are scheduled through early 2027. Why it matters: A Rheinmetall win would mark the first European-designed heavy tracked vehicle built for the U.S. Army in decades and anchor American Rheinmetall’s foothold in the Michigan industrial base — the contract value understates the strategic prize. (Corroborated) Defence Blog → · Hartpunkt → · EDR Magazine → · Defence Industry Europe → · Hardthoehenkurier →
The rundown
DRONES — The Bundeswehr Aviation Authority granted provisional airworthiness certification to Rheinmetall’s LUNA NG reconnaissance UAV on September 1, clearing the system for independent Bundeswehr training and testing flights. The certification marks a regulatory milestone toward full type approval for the platform, which the German military will field as HUSAR (Heeresunbemanntes System zur Abstandsfähigen Rekognoszierung). LUNA NG is designed to operate over densely populated terrain under civil airspace safety rules. (Corroborated) Defence Blog → · Defence Industry Europe → · EDR Magazine →
INDUSTRY — Elbit Systems announced on September 1 that it has signed contracts with an unnamed international customer valued at approximately $270 million for advanced ISR and targeting payloads, including the SPECTRO long-range multi-spectral electro-optical system. The customer was not disclosed. Deliveries will take place over several years. (Corroborated) EDR Magazine → · European Security & Defence →
NAVAL — NATO’s Submarine Rescue System conducted Exercise Flying Fish, a multinational training event involving submarine escape and rescue procedures. The UK Ministry of Defence announced the exercise on September 1 but provided no details on participating nations, location or systems tested. (Single source) UK MOD news →
INDUSTRY — Leonardo, through the CIO Consortium (IDV – OTO Melara), signed an initial serial production contract on September 1 with the Brazilian Army for the Centauro II 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicle. The deal follows an earlier prototype and evaluation phase. No quantities or contract value were disclosed. (Single source) EDR Magazine →
PROCUREMENT — Despite former Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen’s 2015 announcement that the G36 would be phased out, the Bundeswehr confirmed in 2021 — and reiterated in reporting on September 1 — that the rifle will remain in service for reserve and territorial defence forces after frontline units transition to the HK416. The decision reverses the original plan to dispose of the G36 entirely. (Single source) Hartpunkt →
By the numbers
6 events in this issue · 3/6 corroborated · €940m in stated deal values · 5/6 European · busiest beat: procurement
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