The 'temporary grouping" of companies Leonardo and Rheinmentall, as part of the Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles Joint Venture (50 per cent Leonardo and 50 per cent Rheinmetall AG), has been awarded the first supply contract for 21 vehicles for the Italian Army.
The delivery of the first “A2CS Combat” vehicle is expected by the end of 2025.
"This first joint order following the decision to establish a joint venture between Rheinmetall and Leonardo is an important milestone. It 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," David Hoeder, Executive Chairman of JV Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles said.
Leonardo and Rheinmetall will supply 21 tracked armoured vehicles for the Italian Army, 5 of which are Rheinmetall's Lynx KF-41 with the Lance turret followed by 16 newly configured vehicles equipped with the same chassis and Leonardo's Hitfist 30mm turret. The agreement also includes upgrading the whole fleet to the latter configuration, as well as including an additional 30 optional vehicles, and training and simulation systems to better train crews.
The supply falls within the scope of the A2CS – Army Armoured Combat System programme, originally called AICS – Armoured Infantry Combat System, which involves the total acquisition of 1.050 armoured combat vehicles and which, together with the Main Battle Tank programme, will renew the Italian Army’s heavy vehicles fleet.