The Italian Army has officially launched its A2CS (Army Armoured Combat Systems) programme following the delivery of the first four Lynx infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) by the Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV) Joint Venture.
The handover ceremony took place at the Italian Army’s Multifunctional Experimentation Centre (Ce.Poli.Spe) in Montelibretti and marks a major milestone in the modernisation of Italy’s land forces. The initial contract, signed at the end of last year, covers the acquisition of 21 A2CS Combat vehicles.
The event was attended by Italy’s Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto, Chief of the Defence Staff General Luciano Portolano, Chief of Staff of the Italian Army General Carmine Masiello, Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani, and Dr Björn Bernhard, Head of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle System Division Europe. Also present were Laurent Sissmann, CEO of the LRMV Joint Venture, and David Hoeder, Executive Chairman of the Joint Venture.
Strengthening Italy’s Land Defence Capabilities
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto highlighted the strategic importance of the programme. “The international scenario requires a constantly evolving Defence, capable of ensuring the security of the country and safeguarding national interests. This calls for a modern, flexible and credible model, based on high levels of operational readiness, qualified personnel and advanced technological capabilities.”
He added that the delivery of the Lynx armoured vehicle, the result of Italian–German industrial cooperation, represents a significant step in strengthening Italy’s land systems through the introduction of state-of-the-art platforms.
Crosetto also underlined the role of CEPOLISPE, noting that the centre plays a central role in testing and technical evaluation to determine the operational suitability of vehicles, equipment and weapon systems.
A New Era of Mechanisation for the Italian Army
Chief of Staff of the Italian Army, General Carmine Masiello, said the delivery marks the concrete start of a long-awaited transformation. “The Army has a clear direction and well-defined requirements for the new vehicles to accelerate the mechanisation path of the Armed Force, which concretely begins today.”
He emphasised that after three decades of peace support operations — which helped shape the internationally recognised ‘Italian Way’ of peacekeeping — soldiers will now be equipped with technologies capable of meeting future combat challenges. “This vehicle will radically change the way the Army fights.”
European Industrial Cooperation at the Core
Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani described the start of deliveries as a key milestone in the broader modernisation effort. “The international alliance between Leonardo and Rheinmetall continues to stand as a key reference point for strengthening national defence and for the development of a solid, integrated and competitive European industrial base.”
He added that such cooperation is essential to ensuring European security and strategic autonomy.
Echoing this sentiment, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said the delivery opens a new chapter for the Lynx vehicle family. “As a next-generation combat vehicle, Lynx sets standards in terms of versatility, protection, effectiveness, scalability and future-proofing, as well as enhanced European armaments cooperation.”
Lynx IFV Capabilities and Configuration
The Lynx platform is designed for multi-role operations and can be configured as an infantry fighting vehicle, troop transport, mobile command post or ambulance.
The four vehicles delivered under this first tranche are equipped with Rheinmetall’s Lance 30mm turret. These will later be replaced by Leonardo’s Hitfist 30mm turret, which will equip all remaining vehicles covered by the contract.
A2CS Programme and Future Growth
The A2CS (Army Armoured Combat System) programme, originally known as AICS (Armoured Infantry Combat System), together with Italy’s new Main Battle Tank programme, will comprehensively renew the Italian Army’s heavy vehicle fleet.
The programme introduces cutting-edge technologies, featuring high levels of digitalisation, connectivity and multidomain operational capability, ensuring effectiveness in complex and contested environments.
Beyond national requirements, the A2CS initiative also creates opportunities for the renewal of armoured fleets among international partners, reinforcing Europe’s defence industrial cooperation and export potential.
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