AICS being mentioned here is strengthening, in my opinion, the option KF-41 Lynx for Italy’s new tracked IFV. Italy mentioned before that they want a new platform with plenty of space for future development, and Rheinmetall seems willing to set up local production and adapting their designs.

According to rumors the Italian Army could probably lean towards either Lynx KF41 or a modified tracked version of Boxer IFV, in each case, bringing some modifications with domestic technology. The order, according to the Army’s stated requirements in 2021, could be really large: 679 units, which will have to replace both Dardo IFVs and the M113s still in the Army as specialized vehicles (Casevac, command, mortar carrier); they will be destined for “heavy” brigades, i.e., the armored and mechanized on tracked vehicles ones (a new mechanized regiment of this type was raised last year and at the moment it fields Lince VTLMs due to a lack of IFVs). Thus, the distinction between “heavy” brigades (MBTs, tracked IFVs and PzH 2000s), “medium” brigades (mechanized on wheeled vehicles, fielding Freccia IFVs) and “light” brigades (mountain, airborne, marines) will be maintained. The artillery regiments framed in the last two types of brigades have FH-70s; I remember there had been discussions about acquiring modern self-propelled wheeled howitzers such as the Caesar (the new RCH 155 also seems like a good option) but, probably also due to lack of funds for such a relevant purchase, an upgrade program for the FH-70s was approved recently so they will remain in service for this decade.