Leonardo S.p.A. and Rheinmetall AG have officially signed the first contract for the procurement of Lynx armored combat vehicles for the Italian Armed Forces through their jointly established company Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV), which is based on equal partnership. The agreement includes a total of 21 tracked armored combat vehicles.
Delivery of 21 Lynx Vehicles Will Begin in 2025
Under the terms of the contract, Leonardo and Rheinmetall will supply the Italian Army with 21 tracked armored vehicles. Of these, 5 will be the Lynx KF-41 model equipped with Rheinmetall’s Lance turret, and 16 will be new configuration vehicles built on the same chassis but equipped with Leonardo’s Hitfist 30 mm turret. The agreement also includes upgrading the entire fleet to the final configuration, the option to procure an additional 30 vehicles, as well as training and simulation systems to support improved crew training. Deliveries are scheduled to begin at the end of 2025.
60% of Production Will Take Place in Italy
This procurement is part of the Italian Army’s program to renew its heavy armored vehicle fleet (Army Armoured Combat System / A2CS), which envisions the acquisition of a total of 1,050 armored combat vehicles. LRMV has its registered office in Rome, while its operational center is located in La Spezia, Italy. Approximately 60% of activities such as production and integration, testing, and logistical support are planned to be carried out in Italy.
“A New Era in European Defense Cooperation”
LRMV Chairman David Hoeder emphasized that the first joint order strategically brings the two companies and two countries closer together, while CEO Laurent Sissmann stated that they are proud to develop vehicles that meet modern combat requirements.
This development is considered an important step forward in European defense industry cooperation.
