On January 27, at the Italian Army’s CEPOLISPE (Multi-Purpose Experimental Centre) in Montelibretti (Rome), the delivery ceremony was held for the first 4 LYNX tracked infantry fighting vehicles to the Italian Army (EI). The event marks the first milestone of the A2CS (Army Armored Combat System) programme, a cornerstone of the Italian Army of the future.
As is known, the first 5 vehicles (the 4 delivered today, plus a 5th to follow) have been produced in the Hungarian configuration, although without the STRIKE SHIELD Active Protection System (APS) (an APS will however be installed on the definitive A2CS configuration). These vehicles will be used to allow Italian Army personnel (as well as technical bodies such as CEPOLISPE and training school staff) to familiarise themselves with the platform as quickly as possible, including through training activities. This phase will also serve to identify potential improvements to be implemented during prototype development and subsequent series production.
This will be followed by 16 vehicles, designated A2CS Combat UOR (Urgent Operational Requirement), which will be equipped with the new two-man turret (with turret basket) HITFIST 30 Plus/X-GUN (HITFIST 30 NG) by Leonardo—also displayed at the event. The first of these vehicles, combining a Rheinmetall hull with a Leonardo turret, is expected to be delivered in October 2026. The initial 5 vehicles will later be retrofitted with the Leonardo HITFIST 30 Plus/X-GUN (HITFIST 30 NG) turret, bringing the total number of vehicles of this configuration to 21.
A second phase, still to be contractually defined (and expected to be formalised within the first 6 months of 2026), is planned for the supply of an additional 30 A2CS Combat UOR vehicles, identical to the 21 mentioned above, bringing the total to 51.
As is well known, the programme—launched in 2021—is not limited to replacing the DARDO IFV, but aims to acquire an entire family of 1,050 next-generation platforms (to be produced in 16 configurations). These vehicles will equip units assigned to the Heavy Brigades and to those with an Arctic role (namely one of the Alpine brigades designated for this task, Ed.), as well as training institutions, the Medium-Heavy Forces Preparation Centre (currently being established), and the Southern Maintenance Hub.
Managed by the Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles joint venture (LRMV), the programme will be developed in 2 phases. The first phase, currently underway and expected to conclude in 2029, covers the development and production of all A2CS family prototypes. Initially, the Combat, Mortar Carrier, Ambulance, 120 mm Reconnaissance/Fire Support (with Leonardo HITFACT Mk-2 120/45 mm turret), Ammunition Carrier, Air Defence and Command Post variants will be developed. Subsequent configurations will derive from these initial variants, with industry expected to deliver prototypes of the 16 configurations between 2027 and 2028.
With the second phase of the programme—planned by the Italian Army to start in 2030—series production and deliveries will begin (industry, taking a more optimistic view, is aiming to start deliveries as early as 2029).
The definitive A2CS Combat vehicles (and several other configurations) will be fitted with the new unmanned 30 mm HITFIST turret by Leonardo, also armed with the X-GUN 30 cannon and currently under development. All series-production A2CS vehicles will also be equipped with a new domestically produced engine, the IDV (Iveco Defence Vehicles) VECTOR V8 turbodiesel, an uprated and improved variant of the engine used on the CENTAURO II wheeled tank destroyer—further increasing commonality with other platforms already in service with the Italian Army.
Beyond vehicle development, the programme also includes 10-year logistic support, training of Italian Army maintenance personnel, and infrastructure upgrades at the various bases where the vehicle will be deployed.
From an export perspective, the A2CS Combat has been included by LRMV among the SAFE-eligible products, enabling other European countries to use SAFE loans to procure the vehicle. The same approach is envisaged for the new I-MBT PANTHER main battle tank being developed by the LRMV joint venture for the Italian Army.
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