Italy’s Ministry of Defence has initiated a €5.14-billion ($5.84-billion) procurement programme to introduce a new main battle tank and a family of derivative armoured vehicles for the Italian Army. The programme forms part of a wider modernization effort led by Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV), which is developing a Panther KF51-based main battle tank and the Lynx-derived Army Armoured Combat System (A2CS). The new tank is intended to replace the Army’s ageing Ariete fleet, while A2CS will succeed the Dardo infantry fighting vehicle and provide a platform for several variants. LRMV, established in 2024 as a 50:50 joint venture between Italy’s Leonardo and Germany’s Rheinmetall, is responsible for the industrial development and subsequent marketing of both vehicle families. Italian media reports indicate that approximately 60 percent of the vehicle-related work will be performed in Italy. The wider programme envisages the acquisition of 272 main battle tanks and approximately 1,050 tracked infantry combat vehicles, with the total programme value estimated at €23.2 billion ($26 billion) through 2040. The KF51 Panther measures 10 meters (33 feet) and features reconfigurable protective armour and a 130mm smoothbore cannon. Its weapon suite also includes 12.7mm and 7.62mm machine guns and loitering munitions. A 1,100-horsepower engine enables a maximum speed of 70 kilometers (43 miles) per hour and a range of approximately 500 kilometers (311 miles). The 8-meter (26-foot) Lynx is equipped with 30mm or 35mm autocannons, light machine guns, smoke grenade launchers, aerial drone launchers and anti-tank guided missiles. Its diesel powerplant develops up to 1,100 horsepower, while its speed and range are comparable to those of the Panther.
