Fact Check: German defense company Rheinmetall opened a factory in Ukraine in October 2022 to produce Lynx infantry fighting vehicles.

Fact Check: "German defense company Rheinmetall opened a factory in Ukraine in October 2022 to produce Lynx infantry fighting vehicles."

What We Know

The claim that Rheinmetall opened a factory in Ukraine in October 2022 specifically to produce Lynx infantry fighting vehicles is not supported by evidence. While Rheinmetall has indeed been involved in the defense sector in Ukraine, the timeline and specifics of their operations do not align with the claim. According to a report by Kyiv Post, Rheinmetall's first Ukrainian production facility was primarily used for repairing battle-damaged vehicles at that time. The first announcements regarding the production of the Lynx IFV in Ukraine came later, with plans for production being discussed in December 2023, and actual production set to begin by late summer 2024 for the Fuchs vehicle and potentially by summer 2025 for the Lynx IFV (Global Defense Corp).

Analysis

The assertion that a factory was opened in October 2022 lacks corroboration from credible sources. The timeline indicates that while Rheinmetall was active in Ukraine, particularly in vehicle repair and maintenance, the establishment of a factory dedicated to producing Lynx vehicles did not occur until later. The first production of Lynx vehicles is expected to start in late summer 2024, as confirmed by the company's CEO in a December 2023 interview (Global Defense Corp).

Moreover, the sources discussing Rheinmetall's activities in Ukraine, such as Defence-ua and Army Recognition, emphasize the company's plans for expansion and production but do not support the claim of an operational factory in October 2022. The credibility of these sources is generally high, as they focus on defense industry news and have a track record of reporting accurately on military developments.

Conclusion

The claim that Rheinmetall opened a factory in Ukraine in October 2022 to produce Lynx infantry fighting vehicles is False. The evidence indicates that while Rheinmetall was involved in Ukraine, the specific production of Lynx vehicles was not initiated until later, with plans for production starting in 2024. The claim misrepresents the timeline and nature of Rheinmetall's operations in Ukraine.

Fact Check: German defense company Rheinmetall opened a factory in Ukraine in October 2022 to produce Lynx infantry fighting vehicles.