Image: Rheinmetall
Italy’s armed forces received their first four Lynx KF-41 infantry fighting vehicles this week, formally launching the Army Armoured Combat Systems (A2CS) programme designed to modernize the country’s aging mechanized fleet.
Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles, a joint venture between Italy’s Leonardo and Germany’s Rheinmetall, handed over the vehicles at a ceremony attended by Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and Italian Army Chief of Staff General Carmine Masiello. The delivery fulfills the initial phase of a contract signed late last year for 21 A2CS Combat vehicles.
Strategic Shift After Three Decades
The programme marks a significant turning point for Italy’s land forces, which have focused primarily on peacekeeping operations for 30 years. General Masiello emphasized that Italian soldiers have proven themselves through what he called the “Italian Way” of peacekeeping, demonstrating courage and professionalism in peace support missions worldwide.
“After 30 years in which the Italian soldier has demonstrated courage, commitment, determination and professionalism in peace support operations, we have no doubts about their capabilities,” Masiello said. He added that soldiers will operate at their best when equipped with technology meeting current challenges.
The general stressed the vehicles will “radically change the way the Army fights,” signaling Italy’s adaptation to evolving security threats in Europe and beyond.
European Defense Cooperation in Focus
Defence Minister Crosetto framed the delivery within broader European security concerns. He noted that the international scenario demands a constantly evolving defense capability based on high operational readiness, qualified personnel, and advanced technology.
“Within this framework comes the delivery of the Lynx armored vehicle, the result of Italian-German industrial cooperation,” Crosetto stated. He highlighted the central role of the Army’s Multifunctional Testing Center (CEPOLISPE) in evaluating vehicles and weapon systems for operational suitability.
Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani characterized the alliance between Leonardo and Rheinmetall as “a key reference point for strengthening national defence and for the development of a solid, integrated and competitive European industrial base.”
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger described the handover as opening “a new chapter in the success story of the Lynx vehicle family,” emphasizing the platform’s versatility, protection, effectiveness, and future-proofing capabilities.
Technical Specifications and Programme Details
The Lynx platform supports multiple configurations, including infantry fighting vehicle, troop transport, mobile command post, and ambulance roles. The four vehicles delivered feature Rheinmetall’s Lance 30mm turret, which will eventually be replaced by Leonardo’s Hitfist 30mm turret. The remaining 16 vehicles under the initial contract will be equipped with the Italian-made Hitfist system from the start.
The A2CS programme, originally designated AICS (Armoured Infantry Combat System), will combine with a new Main Battle Tank programme to comprehensively renew Italy’s heavy vehicle fleet. Officials described the systems as characterized by high digitalization and connectivity, enabling operations in complex multidomain environments.
According to the joint venture, the modernization effort could provide opportunities for allied nations to upgrade their own armoured fleets, potentially expanding the programme’s scope beyond Italy’s borders.
The delivery represents a concrete step in Italy’s defense modernization amid heightened security concerns across Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and increasing geopolitical tensions.
Source: Rheinmetall Press Release
