Rheinmetall’s Lynx KF41 Undergoes Live-Fire Trials in Italy as Part of A2CS
The Lynx KF41 is a key component of Italy’s 'Armoured Combat System (A2CS)' program, which aims to modernize its armored forces with 1,050 new IFVs. To support this effort, Rheinmetall and Leonardo announced a joint venture, Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV), in mid-2024.
Based on reporting from Europäische Sicherheit & Technik (ES&T), the Italian Army recently conducted extensive testing of the Lynx KF 41 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) at the Nettuno test site near Rome. Over a five-week period, military evaluators assessed the vehicle’s performance across various operational scenarios, focusing on firepower, protection, mobility, and interoperability within NATO forces.
The tested Lynx KF 41, delivered from Hungarian production at the end of 2024, underwent both static and dynamic trials to determine its suitability for the Italian Armed Forces. A critical aspect of the evaluation was how well the vehicle integrates with Italy’s existing military platforms and whether it meets the requirements for future missions.
Impressions from the previous exercise "Brave Warrior 2020" in Hungary and the Lynx KF41 can be found in the video below:
The Lynx KF 41 is designed to be adaptable, with plans to develop up to 16 specialized variants. Beyond the standard model equipped with a 30mm cannon, proposed versions include configurations for reconnaissance, air defense, anti-tank warfare, electronic warfare, and command-and-control operations, as well as roles in recovery and engineering support.
The testing phase concluded with a live-fire demonstration attended by senior military officials and defense industry representatives. Following this evaluation, the vehicle will be returned to Rheinmetall for further refinements.
Rheinmetall continues to expand its armored vehicle capabilities—discover its recent Kodiak AEV-3 demonstration in Poland here.
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Italy’s Procurement Plans and Joint Production Efforts
The Lynx KF 41 is a key component of Italy’s Army Armoured Combat System (A2CS) program, which aims to modernize its armored forces with 1,050 new IFVs. To support this effort, Rheinmetall and Leonardo announced a joint venture, Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV), in mid-2024. Pending final regulatory approval, the partnership is expected to be formalized soon.
A major goal of the venture is to ensure that at least 60% of the vehicle’s production value remains in Italy. This will be achieved through local assembly and Leonardo’s integration of advanced C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) systems.
Read more about another recent joint venture between Rheinmetall-KNDS and its impact on European defense collaboration here.
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Initial Deliveries and Future Production
Italy is set to receive five Lynx IFVs in 2025, followed by eleven more in 2026. The first batch is already in production in Hungary and will be delivered in its original configuration. The subsequent units will feature upgrades such as the Hitfist 30 turret and advanced communications systems from Leonardo.
Looking ahead, full-scale Lynx production in Italy is scheduled to begin in 2029, with final deliveries expected by 2040. This procurement effort underscores Italy’s commitment to modernizing its armored capabilities and ensuring interoperability within NATO.
More related stories on grosswald.org: Italy’s A2CS program aligns with broader European armored vehicle modernization—see how Lithuania is reinforcing its forces with Leopard 2A8 tanks here.
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