Italy aims for $26 billion vehicle investment and prepares for cyber defence
Italy is set to order more than 1,000 KF41 vehicles and is already testing one platform. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
Italy’s Armoured Infantry Combat System (AICS) system began seven years ago in an effort to replace older vehicles such as M113s and the force is also looking to replace its C1 Ariete Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).
The Italian Army has ambitious plans to buy 1050 heavy tracked vehicles in 16 variants under a €16 billion (US$16.4 billion) programme covering infantry fighting, air defence and reconnaissance vehicles, with a separate €10 billion plan for MBTs.
The scope of the effort was outlined by Lt Gen Salvatore Camporeale, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Italian Army, at Defence IQ’s International Armoured Vehicle conference late last month.
The tracked vehicle variants will be built around the Rheinmetall KF41 Lynx, a sample of which has already been delivered to the Italian Army for testing and evaluation, while the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Precision on Demand: The New Age of Loitering Weapons (Podcast)]()
Precision on Demand: The New Age of Loitering Weapons (Podcast)
Loitering munitions provide vital capabilities in the disrupted and unpredictable modern battlespace, from real-time ISR to a virtually “on demand” strike capability. Rafael is looking to the future of the technology, empowering systems to operate with increasing autonomy in hostile environments.
-
![Thales’ Ground Fire radar meets growing European demand for airspace protection]()
Thales’ Ground Fire radar meets growing European demand for airspace protection
The new radar will be used to enhance the French-Italian SAMP/T NG system with a greater surveillance range and wider coverage to detect, track and classify targets.
-
![Serbia pushes new and improved weapons to showcase native capabilities]()
Serbia pushes new and improved weapons to showcase native capabilities
Last month’s Partner 2025 exhibition in Belgrade, Serbia was seen as a chance for local companies to grab the spotlight. New systems, anti-tank weapons and turrets were displayed as well as programme progress updates.
-
![Fischer KEYSTONE™ Hub: Enabling Next-Gen Command and Control]()
Fischer KEYSTONE™ Hub: Enabling Next-Gen Command and Control
KEYSTONE delivers modular soldier connectivity for NGC2 – customizable with Fischer Connectors’ online configurator.
