David Hoeder, Executive Chairman of Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles, said: “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 sovereignity.”
Laurent Sissmann, CEO of Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles, stated: “We are pleased to announce this first step of the industrial synergy between Leonardo and Rheinmetall. We will work side by side to provide cutting-edge armoured vehicles, able to operate in modern operational scenarios.”
Under the contract, the companies will deliver 21 tracked armoured vehicles, including five Rheinmetall Lynx KF-41 models equipped with the Lance turret and 16 newly configured vehicles featuring the same chassis and Leonardo’s Hitfist 30mm turret. The agreement also covers the upgrade of the entire fleet to this configuration, with an option for 30 additional vehicles, as well as training and simulation systems for crew preparation.
These vehicles are fully digitalised and represent the latest generation of armoured combat systems, combining advanced technologies to operate interoperably in multi-domain environments. The supply forms part of the Italian Army’s A2CS – Army Armoured Combat System programme, aimed at acquiring a total of 1,050 vehicles and renewing its fleet alongside the Main Battle Tank programme.
The Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles joint venture, headquartered in Rome with operational facilities in La Spezia, was created to develop and produce new European military combat vehicles. A 50:50 work breakdown was agreed between the partners, with 60% of integration, approval testing, delivery, logistical support, and parts of production and development activities to take place in Italy.
Source: Leonardo (press release).
