Romania’s government has refuted reports claiming it had finalized a deal with Rheinmetall to purchase Lynx infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). The clarification follows comments from Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, who told Bloomberg that Romania had signed a contract. Romanian officials emphasized that no official decision has been made.
The government compared the situation to a VAR review in football, stressing that the selection process for Romania’s future IFV program is ongoing. The Ministry of Defense has not confirmed Papperger’s statement, and major procurement decisions are announced by the state rather than manufacturers.
The IFV program, valued at an estimated €2.99 billion ($3.44 billion), aims to acquire 298 vehicles to replace the aging MLI-84 Jderul fleet. Romania will submit the program under the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) mechanism, allowing access to up to €16.68 billion ($19.22 billion) for defense and civil-military infrastructure. Lynx remains one of several options alongside ASCOT and Redback, with the final decision expected soon and SAFE submissions scheduled by November 28.