Italy has awarded the Leonardo-Rheinmetall joint venture its first contract under the Army Armoured Combat System (A2CS) initiative for the supply of 21 Lynx KF-41 infantry fighting vehicles. The deal initiates Italy’s broader plan to acquire around 1,000 armored platforms, aimed at modernizing the army’s combat vehicle fleet.
In the initial delivery phase, five vehicles will feature Rheinmetall’s Lance turret system, and 16 will integrate Leonardo’s Hitfist 30mm turret. The contract also includes a future upgrade plan to standardize all vehicles under the Hitfist configuration, alongside options for an additional 30 units. Furthermore, the partnership will deliver training and simulation systems to ensure operational capability. The first Lynx vehicle is scheduled for handover by late 2025.
Rheinmetall’s Lynx KF-41 represents a significant step forward from the KF31 IFV introduced in 2016. The vehicle’s modular design, consisting of a separate drive module and mission module, enables swift adaptation for multiple operational requirements. With a combat weight of approximately 50 tonnes, the KF-41 accommodates a crew of three and eight troops, powered by an 850-kilowatt (1,140-horsepower) engine capable of reaching 65 km/h.
The KF-41’s main variant includes the Lance 2.0 turret, featuring a 35mm Wotan autocannon and two mission pods that can house systems such as Spike LR2 missiles, loitering munitions, or electronic warfare modules. Enhanced protection is provided through active, passive, and reactive defense systems to counter modern battlefield threats. Designed for versatility, the Lynx KF-41 can be configured for roles such as infantry fighting, command and control, reconnaissance, medevac, and vehicle recovery—reinforcing its role as a next-generation asset for the Italian Army.
