In a significant step for European defense integration, the Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles joint venture has been awarded its first contract to supply the Italian Army with 21 A2CS Combat vehicles. This initial order, with the first delivery anticipated by the end of 2025, marks a major milestone for the 50/50 partnership between Leonardo of Italy and Rheinmetall AG of Germany.
David Hoeder, Executive Chairman of the JV, emphasized that this cooperation is “the very essence of our European strategic sovereignty,” bringing two of Europe’s largest nations and defense companies closer together. CEO Laurent Sissmann highlighted the “industrial synergy,” stating the partners will work to provide cutting-edge armored vehicles for modern battlefields.
The supply includes a mix of advanced platforms. The first five vehicles will be Rheinmetall’s Lynx KF-41 infantry fighting vehicle, equipped with the potent Lance turret. These will be followed by 16 newly configured vehicles that merge the proven Lynx chassis with Leonardo’s Hitfist 30mm turret. The agreement stipulates that the entire fleet will eventually be upgraded to this hybrid configuration, leveraging the best technologies from both companies. The contract also includes an option for 30 additional vehicles and comprehensive training and simulation systems to prepare future crews.
These fully digitalized, latest-generation vehicles are designed for interoperability in a multi-domain context. The program is a cornerstone of the Italian Army’s ambitious A2CS (Army Armoured Combat System) program. This broader initiative aims to acquire up to 1,050 new armored combat vehicles, which, alongside a new Main Battle Tank program, will comprehensively renew the service’s heavy vehicle fleet for decades to come.
