On 10 May 2022 RayService and Rheinmetall signed two major contracts worth
over €60 Million for the deliveries of electronical and electrical systems for the
Lynx IFV. The contracts covers control systems, cable harnesses and lighting
systems for the second phase of the Hungarian Lynx KF41 program of the
Hungarian Army, worth more than €30 Million. Another package of around €30
Million is a fix pre-contract for the deliveries of Lynx IFV to the Slovak Army once
Rheinmetall will be awarded in ongoing tender.
“Rheinmetall has great interest in real partnership with the Slovak defence
industries and is experienced with the integration of local companies into the
global supply chain. In fact, by signing this contract, the integration of Slovak
industry into the Lynx supply chain has already started,” states John Abunassar,
CEO of Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems Division.
RayService components and systems for the Hungarian Defence Forces will be
produced in their facility in Skalica, Slovakia and then exported to Hungary.
RayService will thus benefit from integration into the Lynx supply chain prior to
the actual IFV tender evaluation in Slovakia.
“Besides we are already having an extensive cooperation with RayService for our
activities in Germany and the UK, I’m happy that we can extend our cooperation
to Slovakia and Hungary and hopefully other countries – like the Czech Republic –
in the future,” adds Oliver Mittesldorf, Executive Vice President Sales Tactical
Vehicles at Rheinmetall. Rheinmetall is competing for the modernization of the
Slovak Infantry Fighting Vehicle and is therefore looking to expand the defence
industry network in Slovakia.
“We are very glad to finalize our common work with Rheinmetall on the IFV Lynx,
that included R&D, know-how transfer and lot of prototyping works, which has
now payed off in biggest contract in company history. This will allow us to make
further large investments into our facility in Skalica and will secure and generate
workload for more than 60 people over next 5 years. On top of this we already
started our process of VG96927 certification which will allow us to enter further
global projects of Rheinmetall” states Igor Hrabovec – Managing Director Ray
Service Slovakia. “With this giant leap we will build up real competence centre in
Slovakia.” says Jakub Gabriel, CEO RayService.
Frank Ohle – Rheinmetall Senior Vice President Purchase – adds: “RayService offers
a state of the art production line and is a flexible partner that allows us to adapt
perfectly to local requirements. The cooperation with RayService is only the first
step for us to establish a local production network in Slovakia.”
The strategic cooperation ensures region-wide support from RayService for Rheinmetall’s
innovative Lynx IFV platform. RayService contributes to Lynx and other Rheinmetall
programmes through the supply of vitally crucial electro and electro-mechanic systems, as well
as the localization of third-party equipment including NBC systems, fire extinguishing systems,
turret drive systems and tracks and road wheels.
Based in Stare Mesto, Czech Republic and Zilina, Slovakia RayService started working with
Rheinmetall in 2011.
“Lynx is the IFV of the 21st century and just on the beginning of its life cycle. Besides defining
standards for survivability, mobility and lethality, it is the only medium weight combat system
that offers real growth potential. Meeting the demands of the modern battlefield Lynx is the
logical choice for the Army and a huge opportunity for domestic industrial development and
growth,” says Frank Ohle, “Over the past 10 years, RayService has been an unfailingly reliable
partner, delivering outstanding results time and time again. Their commitment to innovation
makes them the perfect supplier for our innovative portfolio, and we look forward to
deepening our relationship through this new strategic cooperation agreement.
About Rheinmetall
Headquartered in Düsseldorf, the publicly traded Rheinmetall AG is a high-tech enterprise
dedicated to the twin modern imperatives of mobility and security. Founded in 1889
Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading suppliers of military systems and equipment. The
group’s 26,000-strong global workforce generated sales of €5.875 billion in 2020.
About RayService
RayService is an international innovative manufacturer of cable harnesses, electromechanical
assemblies, electronic equipment and cable components as well as distributor and integrator
of such products and systems. More than 25 year of experience and intensive development
have resulted in a strong, modern enterprise, a reliable and sought-after partner on an
international level.
