# Italian military modernization defense contracts > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-military-modernization-defense-contracts > Updated: 2026-10-26T12:44:22.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2. The Leonardo-Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV) joint venture has reportedly secured two major contracts from the Italian Ministry of Defense valued at approximately €3.7 billion. These agreements are part of a long-term, €23 billion modernization plan for the Italian Army's land forces. The first contract involves the delivery of 48 armored combat platforms for the Army Armoured Combat System (A2CS) program, based on the Lynx platform. The second contract covers 30 next-generation main battle tanks (MBT) based on the Panther KF51 model, intended to replace the existing Ariete tanks. The tank acquisition is part of the New Main Battle Tank (NMBT) program, while the Lynx vehicle order falls under the A2CS program to replace the VCC-80 Dardo. The modernization plan aims for a final acquisition of 1,050 A2CS vehicles by 2040 and 270 MBTs by 2037. The agreement emphasizes Italian industrial involvement, with 60% of industrial activities and development to be conducted within Italy. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-26: Italy reportedly orders KF51 Panther tanks and Lynx armored vehicles Italy has reportedly ordered 30 KF51 Panther tanks and 48 Lynx armored vehicles in contracts worth €3.7 billion to modernize its military. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-reportedly-orders-kf51-panther-tanks-and-lynx-armored-vehicles ### 2026-10-24: Leonardo and Rheinmetall secure €3.7 billion Italian defense contracts Leonardo and Rheinmetall's joint venture has reportedly won €3.7 billion in contracts to supply the Italian Army with next-generation armored combat vehicles and main battle tanks. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/leonardo-and-rheinmetall-secure-37-billion-italian-defense-contracts --- Cite as: Italian military modernization defense contracts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-military-modernization-defense-contracts