The Italian-German joint venture Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (50 percent each) and Leonardo and Rheinmetall AG) has been acquired by the Italian army a first delivery order for 21 A2CS Combat tracked vehicles. Delivery of the first vehicle is scheduled for the end of 2025.
David Hoeder, Executive Chairman of the joint venture, emphasized the significance of the contract: “This first joint order after the foundation of the joint venture is an important milestone. It brings not only our companies but also two of Europe’s largest nations closer together. Cooperation is no longer an option – it is the core of European strategic sovereignty.”
Laurent Sissmann, CEO of Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles, also emphasized the industrial value of the project: “This order marks the beginning of a real industrial synergy between Leonardo and Rheinmetall. Together, we will develop and supply state-of-the-art combat vehicles that meet the requirements of modern operational scenarios.”
The contract covers the delivery of 21 tracked armored vehicles, including five Lynx KF-41s with Rheinmetall’s Lance turret and 16 vehicles in a new configuration with the same chassis but Leonardo’s Hitfist 30-millimeter turret.
It is also planned to convert the entire fleet to this configuration. The contract also includes an option for a further 30 vehicles as well as training and simulation systems to train the crews.
The vehicles are fully digitalized and belong to the latest generation of European combat vehicles. They combine cutting-edge technologies from both manufacturers and are designed for networked, multi-domain use.
The project is part of the A2CS program (Army Armoured Combat System) – formerly AICS (Armoured Infantry Combat System) – which provides for the procurement of a total of procurement of 1,050 combat vehicles. Together with the planned new main battle tank programme, it is intended to fundamentally modernize the Italian army’s heavy vehicle fleet.
Here for more news about the Italian armed forces, here to further news from Rheinmetall and here to further news about Leonardo.
