The Leonardo-Rheinmetall joint venture has secured a contract to deliver 21 Lynx KF-41 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) to the Italian Army, marking the first delivery order under the Army Armoured Combat System (A2CS) program, which envisions the acquisition of around 1,000 vehicles.
In the initial phase, five units will feature Rheinmetall’s Lance turret, while 16 will be fitted with Leonardo’s Hitfist 30mm system. The agreement also includes the upgrade of all vehicles to the Hitfist configuration, options for an additional 30 IFVs, and the provision of training and simulation systems for crew readiness.
The first vehicle delivery is expected by late 2025.
Lynx KF-41 Overview
An evolution of the KF31 IFV unveiled in 2016, the KF41 incorporates a modular architecture comprising a base drive module and interchangeable mission modules, allowing quick adaptation for varied missions.
Weighing approximately 50 tonnes, compared to the KF31’s 35 tonnes, the KF41 accommodates a crew of three and eight passengers. Powered by an 850-kilowatt (1,140-horsepower) engine, it achieves speeds up to 65 km/h (40 mph).
In its standard configuration, the KF41 mounts the Lance 2.0 turret with a 35mm Wotan automatic cannon and two modular mission pods, enabling integration of subsystems such as Spike LR2 anti-tank missiles, loitering munitions, electronic warfare modules, or UAV systems.
The vehicle is equipped with active, passive, and reactive protection systems against RPGs and anti-tank guided missiles, and its modular design supports missions including infantry combat, command and control, reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and repair/recovery operations.
