LRMV delivers first four Lynx IFVs to Italian Army, launching A2CS programme

The Italian Armed Forces received their first four Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicles from Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles on 27 January 2026. (Italian Army)

The Italian Armed Forces received their first four Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) from Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV) on 27 January, the Italian Army and the joint venture announced later the same day. The delivery marked the official launch of the Italian Army Armoured Combat Systems (A2CS) programme, for which an initial contract for 21 new A2CS combat vehicles was signed at the end of 2025.

The Italian Army said on its website that the Lynx is the starting point for the development of the A2CS system of systems based on a fleet of armoured IFVs and a series of derivative platforms with capabilities for modern operational scenarios and to implement co-operative combat. The service added, “These platforms will feature next-generation, technologically mature solutions based on a system design suitable for ensuring continuous growth potential, promoting integration, interoperability, and the interconnection of command-and-control (C2) systems and with field activities.”

Speaking at the delivery ceremony, Italian Army Chief of Staff Corps General Carmine Masiello said, “The army has a clear direction and well-defined requirements for the new vehicles to accelerate the mechanisation path of the armed forces, which concretely begins today … this vehicle will radically change the way the army fights.”

Italian-German co-operation