The Injector Chain for the LHC

The LHC will be supplied with protons from the injector chain Linac2 - PS Booster - PS - SPS. These accelerators are being upgraded so as to meet the very demanding needs of the LHC: many high intensity bunches (25 ns spacing) with small emittances (transverse and longitudinal). The injector scheme which will satisfy these requirements is presented and the main challenges and problems for the machines are outlined. Some of the open issues which need further elaboration, such as tolerances on bunch intensity, are touched upon. The conversion of the PS complex enters its final phase and the first LHC-type beams have been delivered to the SPS. Finally, the Pb ion injector scheme is sketched and the promising outcome of a test campaign in LEAR is highlighted.