Italy Reportedly Awards Leonardo Rheinmetall Joint Venture €3.7B for First I-MBT Tanks and Lynx KF41 IFVs

Italy has reportedly awarded Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles two armored-vehicle contracts totaling €3.7 billion, covering an initial I-MBT production tranche and 30 additional Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicles. The tank package reportedly includes 48 tracked platforms, comprising 26 combat tanks and 22 support vehicles, with the Panther-derived design adapted to Italian requirements. The Lynx order exercises an option under the earlier A2CS contract, increasing that initial fleet from 21 to 51 vehicles. Neither parent company has formally confirmed signature, and the reported awards form part of Italy's broader replacement of aging tanks and tracked combat vehicles.