Rheinmetall has provided a KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle to the Italian Army for evaluations ahead of its first order.
The effort is part of Rome’s preparation to adopt new tracked systems revealed in early 2024 with an investment of up to 5.2 billion euros ($5.3 billion).
A report from Defense News said that the loaned testbed vehicle was sent to the army’s Montelibretti center, where it will receive corresponding assessments from the military and Italy’s local program partner Leonardo.
Once the Lynx is approved, the Italian Ministry of Defense is expected to procure up to 1,000 of the tactical platforms within two years.
“Army engineers and testers will get to know the Lynx and carry out a series of evaluations to test the mobility, protection, fire power and interoperability of the vehicle,” a source informed.
“The loan shows the speed with which the deal is being managed and is also a sign of goodwill to the Italian army.”
“If things move fast, the first contract for tanks could be signed this year.”
Acquiring Panther Tanks, Local Military Vehicle Production
Alongside the Lynx, the Italian government aims to integrate more than 500 main battle tanks based on Rheinmetall’s Panther system into its armed forces.
The tank deal is expected to cost 20 billion euros ($20.8 billion), with shipments to be made over a 15-year period.
Production works under both programs will be supported by Rheinmetall and Leonardo’s joint venture launched in October 2024.
Other Italian-configured vehicles to be developed from this teaming are also planned for export.
“We are primarily addressing the Italian market, but we will also be targeting other partner nations which are in need of modernising their combat systems in the future,” Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani stated during the partnership with the German defense contractor last year.
Rheinmetall’s KF41 Lynx
The KF41 Lynx is equipped with a primary 30-millimeter Lance manner turret, smoke grenade launchers, a 7.62-millimeter light machine gun, a drone launcher, and a Spike 2 long-range anti-tank missile system.
It measures 8 meters (26 feet) long and has the capacity for up to eight personnel.
The vehicle is powered by a 1,140-horsepower engine for a top speed of 70 kilometers (43 miles) per hour and a range of 500 kilometers (311 miles).