The modernization program of the Italian armored component sees in the Lynx AIFV (Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle) one of its cornerstones. The live fire tests on Monday, at the Nettuno military range, confirmed some of its extraordinary capabilities. Its modularity, combined with high performance, represents a step forward towards a more integrated and interoperable armed force at NATO level.
In briefing before the demonstration, a detailed description was provided by Col. Paolo Ambrosaino, director of the Nettuno shooting range, and of the peculiar experimentation and verification capabilities of the UTTAT (Territorial Technical Unit for Shooting Training and Experimentation), Rheinmetall and Leonardo then detailed the technical and chronological progress of their agreement and the plan to provide - finally... - also to Italy credible armored vehicles. We recall that the European giant “LRMV” will soon be born (Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles).
The program on which the LRMV joint venture is based foresees a total production of over 1.300 vehicles: 1.050 AICS vehicles, 272MBT Panther, and 16 Lynx UOR (Urgent Operational Requirement - vehicles acquired in initial configuration to respond rapidly to immediate operational needs).
A potential export market for at least 700 additional units is estimated over the next 10 years.
Portolano thanks and encourages: "the challenges of geopolitics do not wait!"
The Chief of Defence Staff took the floor at the end of the presentation to underline two urgent issues: "We will help you with exports, but you must satisfy our domestic demands. I thank the CEO of Rheinmetall for providing us with a first Lynx and the start of production of the first Italian units in Hungary, which will allow us to have at least 5 of them already this year, together with some Panther tanks. It will be a period until 2031 intense, not only for the industry but for us who have to satisfy the safety demands in Europe and nof the Alliance. You have today transformed un project into something tangible, you have demonstrated that you can do it, but it is un first small step, we have to start movingci faster. I consider the Joint Venture also between Defense and Industry, because there is no Defense capacity without a parallel production capacity.”
We reach the firing line
Static Firing Test - One of the tests involved launching kinetic energy projectiles with a timed trigger against a static target. The target was an aluminum structure measuring 4x4 meters, with a thickness of 4 millimeters. This type of test serves to evaluate the ability of the MK30-2/ABM (Air Burst Munition) cannon to neutralize targets with precision and lethality, simulating combat scenarios against enemy troops in light cover or unarmored vehicles. The results showed exceptional ballistic accuracy, with full "neutralization" of the target. This demonstrates that the fire system of the Lynx It is calibrated to ensure an optimal balance between power and control.
"Killer-Killer" ability - A further test tested the ability of the Lynx to engage moving armored targets. During the test, the vehicle fired bursts of armor-piercing projectiles at a 2x2 meter steel plate with a thickness of 40 millimeters. This type of test is designed to simulate engagements against enemy vehicles in dynamic and high-intensity scenarios. Again, the results were extremely positive. The Lynx demonstrated that it can destroy moving armored targets with extreme effectiveness.
The fire tests conducted on the Lynx AIFVs represent a fundamental step in the acquisition process of this vehicle for the Italian Army.
The performance demonstrated in the trials provided a first glimpse of the weapon system's current and future capabilities, from supporting and protecting troops to destroying enemy armor.
The program
The AICS (Armored Infantry Combat System) initiative envisages the development of five variants based on a modular chassis capable of adapting to 16 different operational roles.
Among the configurations available are:
► Version with 30 mm main armament.
► Version equipped with mortar.
► Air defense configuration.
► Variants armed with 120 mm guns for heavy support.
► Unarmed version for transport and logistic support tasks.
This versatility provides the Italian Army with a unique platform for multiple tactical scenarios, increasing efficiency and reducing maintenance costs thanks to the standardization of components.
The program follows a strict timeline:
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Cutting ofla firston the slab bysteel: occurred in November 2024.
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Welding of the first scafo: January 2025.
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Assembly and integration: starting from the first quarter of 2025.
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Delivery and “Italianization”: within the third and fourth quarter of the same year.
In parallel, five Lynx in Hungarian configuration are already under construction, with the intention of being retrofitted and delivered in 2025. Further configurations equipped with the HITFIST 30 turret will be available from 2026.
The results of the joint venture between Leonardo and Rheinmetall will not only ensure top-quality end products but will also strengthen the Italian defense industry in the international panorama.
While some continue to think that the only innovations come from far away, Europe once again demonstrates that it can compete on equal terms.
Il Lynx It is a clear demonstration of how the Old Continent still knows how to dictate the rules of the game.
Photo/Video: Online Defense
