The Italian Armed Forces has received its first four Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), marking the official launch of the Army Armoured Combat Systems (A2CS) program.
Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV), the joint venture that serves as the program’s prime contractor, handed over the KF41s following an initial contract signed in November for 21 Lynx KF41 vehicles, which could eventually involve around 1,000 platforms.
The first five vehicles will feature Rheinmetall’s Lance turret, while the remaining 16 will be fitted with Leonardo’s Hitfist 30mm system.
The entire fleet is eventually set to transition to the Hitfist configuration.
The four delivered IFVs will now undergo testing and evaluation by the army’s Multifunctional Testing Center (CEPOLISPE) to determine their suitability for operational use.
Army Fleet Modernization
Italian officials noted that the Lynx IFV’s high level of digitalization and connectivity will significantly change how the army operates in future multi-domain environments.
“As a next-generation combat vehicle, Lynx not only sets standards in terms of versatility, protection, effectiveness, scalability and future-proofing, but also in terms of enhanced European armaments cooperation,” said Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger.
In addition to the Lynx platform, the Italian Army is also procuring KF51 Panther main battle tanks from the LRMV joint venture to support efforts in renewing its heavy vehicle fleet.
Both the Lynx vehicle and the Panther tank can achieve speeds of up to 70 kilometers (43 miles) per hour and have an operational range of 500 kilometers (311 miles).
