ROME — A significant milestone has been reached in a major defense collaboration between Italy’s Leonardo and Germany’s Rheinmetall. The two companies have secured their first contract to supply the Italian army with advanced military vehicles, marking the beginning of an extensive partnership.
The joint venture, equally owned by the Italian and German firms, has committed to delivering 21 Rheinmetall Lynx tracked fighting vehicles. This is the initial phase of a broader plan to provide a total of 1,050 such vehicles to the Italian military.
David Hoeder, who serves as the executive chairman of Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “This deal brings the two companies, as well as two of Europe’s largest countries, closer together. Cooperation is not optional anymore – it is the very essence of our European strategic sovereignty.”
The collaboration was formalized last year with an agreement to produce the Lynx vehicles and 272 Panther tanks from Rheinmetall. The total contract is valued at €23 billion, aimed at overhauling Italy’s outdated tracked vehicle fleet. Learn more about the €23 billion deal.
Both manufacturing processes will take place in Italy, incorporating components from Leonardo, ensuring that the production benefits local industries.
The initial batch of five Lynx vehicles will feature the Lance turret, while the remaining 16 are set to incorporate Leonardo’s Hitfist 30mm turret.
Earlier this year, the companies announced the first five vehicles are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025. These units will also be equipped with Leonardo’s new 30mm X-Gun. Additionally, the Italian company will install its C4I system, electro-optic sensors, radar, and radio equipment.
The Lynx vehicles are designed for versatility, with five variants planned to perform 16 different roles. These variants include 120mm, 30mm, Mortar, Air Defense, and Non-Turreted configurations.
The project, which was initially part of the Italian army’s AICS program, has been rebranded as the A2CS – Army Armored Combat System program.
