• Italian Army Receives First Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicles Under A2CS Programme
ROME, Italy – The Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles joint venture delivered the first four Lynx KF-41 infantry fighting vehicles to the Italian Army on January 27, officially launching the “A2CS” programme to modernize the country’s armored combat systems.
What is new?
The first four Lynx KF-41 infantry fighting vehicles were delivered to the Italian Armed Forces on January 27, 2026, at the Italian Army’s Multifunctional Experimentation Center in Montelibretti. The delivery marks the official start of the “A2CS” (Army Armoured Combat Systems) programme. This initial delivery is part of a contract signed late last year for a total of 21 “A2CS Combat” vehicles. The handover ceremony was attended by Italian Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto, Chief of Staff of the Italian Army General Carmine Masiello, and senior executives from Leonardo and Rheinmetall.
Key Details
The Lynx KF-41 is a multi-role platform capable of serving as an infantry fighting vehicle, troop transport, mobile command post, or ambulance. The four vehicles delivered are equipped with Rheinmetall’s Lance 30mm turret. This configuration is temporary, as the subsequent 16 armored vehicles under the current contract will be fitted with Leonardo’s Hitfist 30mm turret.
Programme Context
The A2CS programme is a key component of the Italian Army’s plan to renew its heavy vehicle fleet, alongside a separate programme for a new Main Battle Tank. The initiative aims to equip the army with technologically advanced platforms characterized by high levels of digitalization and connectivity. These new systems are designed to ensure operational effectiveness in complex and multi-domain battlefield environments.
Official Statements
During the ceremony, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto emphasized that the delivery is a result of Italian-German industrial cooperation aimed at strengthening land systems with state-of-the-art platforms. Army Chief of Staff General Carmine Masiello stated that the new vehicle will “radically change the way the Army fights” and accelerate the force’s mechanization. Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani highlighted the project as a milestone for strengthening national defence and European industrial competitiveness. Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger described the Lynx as a next-generation combat vehicle setting new standards in versatility, protection, and European armaments cooperation.
About this company
Rheinmetall AG is a German defense and automotive technology group headquartered in DĂĽsseldorf. The company’s portfolio includes military vehicles, air-defense systems, munitions, and sensors. The A2CS vehicles are being delivered by Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV), a joint venture between Rheinmetall and Italian defense and aerospace company Leonardo.
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