The Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles Joint Venture (LRMV), equally owned by Leonardo and Rheinmetall AG, has secured its first contract to supply 21 A2CS Combat vehicles to the Italian Army, with the first delivery expected by the end of 2025. This contract marks an important milestone in European defence cooperation, bringing together two leading companies and two of Europe’s largest countries. The vehicles represent the latest generation of fully digitalized armoured platforms, combining the expertise of both companies to ensure interoperability and operational effectiveness across multi-domain battlefield scenarios.
Under the contract, five vehicles will be Rheinmetall’s Lynx KF-41 equipped with Lance turrets, while the remaining sixteen vehicles will feature Leonardo’s Hitfist 30mm turret in a new configuration. The agreement also includes upgrading the entire fleet to this configuration, along with the option for an additional 30 vehicles and integrated training and simulation systems to prepare crews for modern operational scenarios.
David Hoeder, Executive Chairman of LRMV, described the order as a significant achievement, stating: “This first joint order following the creation of our joint venture represents an important milestone. It brings two companies and two of Europe’s largest countries closer together. Cooperation is no longer optional – it is the very essence of our European strategic sovereignty.”
Laurent Sissmann, CEO of LRMV, added: “We are pleased to announce this initial step of industrial synergy between Leonardo and Rheinmetall. We will work side by side to provide cutting-edge armoured vehicles capable of operating in modern operational scenarios.”
The supply of these vehicles is part of the A2CS – Army Armoured Combat System programme, previously known as AICS – Armoured Infantry Combat System. The programme targets the acquisition of a total of 1,050 armoured combat vehicles, which, together with the ongoing Main Battle Tank programme, will modernize the Italian Army’s heavy vehicle fleet and strengthen its operational capabilities for current and future missions.
The LRMV joint venture was established to become a leading European developer and producer of combat vehicles. Headquartered in Rome with operational facilities in La Spezia, the company is responsible for the industrial development and commercialization of the new Main Battle Tanks and A2CS platforms. Work is divided equally between Leonardo and Rheinmetall, with 60% of integration, certification testing, delivery, logistical support, and key production phases to be performed in Italy. This collaboration demonstrates a strong commitment to European defence cooperation and provides the Italian Army with modern, fully digitalized, and operationally versatile armoured vehicles.
