The future is panthers and lynx

The Italian Ministry of Defense has confirmed its intention to procure up to 380 new tanks and over 1,000 infantry fighting vehicles as part of two major procurement programs. The types chosen are likely to be the Panther KF51 and the Lynx KF41 from RHEINMETALL. The total budget for this initiative is expected to exceed 10 billion euros, with experts estimating it could grow to 30 billion as the fleet is tailored to the needs of the Italian Army.

The first program aims to replace the outdated C1 and C2 Ariete tanks with a fleet based on the KF51 Panther. These tanks will undergo significant modifications as part of a process known as "Italianization" to meet Italian operational requirements. The program also includes support vehicles based on the KF51 platform, expanding beyond the development of the KF51 currently underway in Hungary.

The second program, focusing on the procurement of around 1,050 infantry fighting vehicles, has been further detailed. These vehicles are based on the KF41 Lynx and will be developed in 16 different variants. Configurations include infantry fighting vehicles, command vehicles, self-propelled howitzers (120 mm and 81 mm), an anti-tank missile carrier, artillery reconnaissance vehicles, and technical support vehicles. Italy will be the second country after Hungary to opt for the Lynx KF41.

RHEINMETALL on the Internet