The Italian army has received its first four Lynx infantry fighting vehicles, which officially launches A2CS the Armored Combat Systems Program, led by Leonardo-Rheinmetall joint venturet.
according to Leonardo were the first four Lynx vehicles delivered to the Italian Army on January 27 at the Multifunctional Experimentation Center (Ce.Poli.Spe) in Montelibretti by Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles joint venturet.
The handover was marked by the presence of the Italian Minister of Defense, Guido Crosettothe Chief of the Defense Staff, General Luciano Portolanothe commander of the Italian army, Carmine MasielloCEO’en for Leonardo, Roberto Cingolaniand the manager of Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems Europe, Björn Bernhard.
This delivery officially launched Army Armoured Combat Systems (A2CS) program that Italy plans to use to acquire a new generation of armored fighting vehicles for its land forces.
The original contract, signed at the end of 2025, covers 21 A2CS tanks, with several acquisition phases expected as the Italian Army modernizes its heavy mechanized fleet.
The Italian Ministry of Defense stated that the program aims to modernize land combat capabilities through the introduction of a digitally integrated armored platform developed through Italo-German industrial cooperation.
“The international situation requires a defense that is constantly evolving and can ensure the country’s security and protect national interests,” Crosetto said during the ceremony.
“In this framework, delivery comes from Lynx armored vehicles, the result of Italo-German industrial cooperation, to the Italian Army, with the aim of strengthening the land forces through the introduction of next-generation platforms.”
Of Lynx vehicles that were delivered last week will now undergo testing and evaluation on Ce.Poli.Spe before entering operational service in the Italian Army.
The four delivered vehicles are equipped with Rheinmetall Lance 30mm the tower, which will later be replaced by Leonardo Hitfist 30mm turret on all subsequent production vehicles, reflecting Italy’s intention to integrate domestic subsystems into the fleet.
Photo: Leonardo. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by editorial team.
