Italian Army awards first contract to Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles for 21 Lynx KF-41 IFVs

During the course of today, the joint venture Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles-owned equally by the Italian and German firms-announced that the Italian Army has already awarded it the first contract for the procurement of new Lynx KF-41 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). According to the official statement, this consists of a batch of 21 vehicles, which would form the initial tranche of a much larger purchase, consistent with Rome’s intent set out earlier this year when a first example was delivered for testing and evaluation.

First Italian Army contract for Lynx KF-41 IFVs

Marking the announcement, Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles President David Hoeder stated: “This first joint order following the decision to establish a joint venture between Rheinmetall and Leonardo marks an important milestone. It further tightens the ties between the two companies, as well as between two of Europe’s largest countries. Cooperation is no longer optional: it is the very essence of our European strategic sovereignty.”

Vehicle mix, turrets and options within the 21-vehicle order

Further details indicate that the total order for 21 vehicles is split into two parts: 5 IFVs fitted with the Lance turret, and a further 16 in a new configuration incorporating Leonardo’s 30 mm Hitfist turret. Both versions will retain the same KF-41 chassis, and both will have the option of being upgraded to the latter standard.

The newly announced agreement also includes an option for roughly 30 additional armoured vehicles to strengthen the fleet, as well as the supply of training and simulation systems to support the instruction of future crews.

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A2CS programme context and other Italian Army acquisitions

At this point, it is useful to recall that this procurement sits within the programme known as the Army Armoured Combat System (A2CS). Under this framework, Italy’s Ministry of Defence plans to add a total of 1,050 KF-41 armoured vehicles in order to modernise its IFV fleet and meet NATO requirements; early estimates have centred on an investment of €15 billion.

Along the same lines, it is also important to note that the Italian Army has moved forward in confirming purchases of around 76 new VCBR 8×8 VBM Freccia Plus vehicles, as well as more than 1,400 Iveco SMR6 lorries intended to improve the institution’s logistical capabilities.

Partnership beyond IFVs: future main battle tank plans

Lastly, it should be remembered that the Italian Army will not only use the Leonardo–Rheinmetall partnership to produce new IFVs, but also to manufacture the future main battle tank that will equip its units. As we reported in early July 2024, this decision followed the collapse of a potential purchase of up to 132 Leopard 2A8 tanks from the German firm KNDS due to disagreements over technology transfer, which in turn delayed plans to replace the Army’s current Ariete tanks.

Images used for illustrative purposes