The KF41 Lynx armored vehicles, developed by Germany’s Rheinmetall and now manufactured by Rheinmetall Hungary Zrt. in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary, are being tested by the Italian Army, the Combatant Blog reports.
The tests are aimed at replacing the outdated Dardo armored personnel carriers, M113 armored personnel carriers, and Ariete tanks with more modern models in the Italian armed forces.
Production in Hungary started in 2023, and the first “Hungarian” Lynx assembled there rolled out a year later.
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According to a memorandum of understanding announced on July 3, 2024, between Germany’s Rheinmetall and Italy’s Leonardo, the Lynx KF41 is the expected vehicle for Italy’s AICS (Armored Infantry Combat System) program. Italy is also procuring KF51 Panthers for its MBT (Main Battle Tank) program. The MOU is not a contract award, notes Combatant, but it does represent a significant step towards the future of the program.
Italian press had reported on Dec. 31 last year that a Lynx unit had arrived in the country for testing, emphasizing that the speedy arrival shows Italy is determined to roll out the A2CS/AICS program on time.
“The vehicle will be used for preliminary technical assessments, tests and evaluations (in preparation for the A2CS/AICS program). Army engineers and testers will be responsible for familiarizing the Lynx and will carry out a series of evaluations to test the vehicle’s mobility, protection, firepower and interoperability,” reported Rivista Italiana Difesa.
“The Lynx KF-41, which has been under development by Rheinmetall since 2015, is the latest generation combat vehicle characterized by its modular design and significant versatility. These features allow it to fulfill various functions, ranging from infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) to armored personnel carrier (APC) to command post or rescue/transporter,” the paper added.
