The Italian Army has taken delivery of its first four Lynx KF-41 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) at the Multifunctional Experimentation Centre (Ce.Poli.Spe) in Montelibretti, marking the beginning of the Army Armoured Combat Systems (A2CS) programme.
The vehicles were delivered by the Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV) joint venture (JV).
The initial contract for the A2CS programme, covering the acquisition of 21 new “A2CS Combat” vehicles, was signed in late 2025.
Senior officials attended the handover ceremony, including Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto, Chief of Staff of the Italian Army General Carmine Masiello, Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani, Rheinmetall’s vehicle system division Europe head Dr. Björn Bernhard, Joint Venture CEO Laurent Sissmann, and executive chairman David Hoeder.
Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto said: “The international scenario requires a constantly evolving Defence, capable of ensuring the security of the country and safeguarding national interests. This calls for a modern, flexible and credible model, based on high levels of operational readiness, qualified personnel and advanced technological capabilities.
“Within this framework comes the delivery of the Lynx armoured vehicle, the result of Italian-German industrial cooperation, to the Italian Army, aimed at strengthening land systems through the introduction of state-of-the-art platforms. In this process, the Army’s Multifunctional Testing Center (CEPOLISPE) plays a central role, ensuring the testing and technical evaluation of vehicles, equipment and weapon systems to determine their suitability for operational use.”
The four Lynx KF-41 vehicles arrived equipped with Rheinmetall's Lance 30mm turret. Leonardo's Hitfist 30mm turret is set to replace the Lance turret on 16 additional armoured vehicles included in the same contract.
The Lynx platform serves multiple functions such as IFV, troop transport, mobile command post, and ambulance.
The Lynx KF-41 is one of two configurations in the Lynx IFV family, alongside the KF 31.
Both variants feature a Rheinmetall LANCE turret capable of engaging targets at distances up to 3,000 metres with either a stabilised 30mm or 35mm automatic cannon.
They are powered by new generation commercial off-the-shelf diesel engines producing 560kW (750hp) for the KF 31 and 800kW (1,050hp) for the KF 41, paired with fully automatic transmissions.
The A2CS programme will renew Italy’s fleet of heavy armoured vehicles in conjunction with a future main battle tank initiative. The upgrade aims to introduce advanced technology featuring higher levels of digitalisation and connectivity.
This development may also provide opportunities for renewing armoured fleets among international partners.
