Iveco-Oto Melara Supplies 76 New Armored Vehicles to the Italian Army
The Department of Land Forces (Direzione Armamenti Terrestri—DAT) of the Italian Ministry of Defense has signed a contract with the Iveco-Oto Melara Consortium (CIO), an equal partnership between Iveco and Leonardo to supply 76 VBM PLUS vehicles to the Italian Army. The contract is part of Phase 2 of the ongoing supply of Medium-Class Armored Vehicles to the Italian Army.
The contract includes 60 combat and 16 anti-tank vehicles. In addition, the agreement includes long-term integrated logistics support, “10×10” rescue vehicles, and maintenance vehicles.
The VBM PLUS is an upgraded version of the VBM – Freccia infantry fighting vehicles (IFV), building on the heritage of the Centauro family of military vehicles. The new generation of VBM PLUS vehicles features extensive technological innovations compared to previous versions. The engine power of the vehicles has been increased from 550 horsepower to 720 horsepower, with the potential for future adaptation to hybrid-electric propulsion. In addition, the new generation hull, designed with experience gained from the Centauro II and previous VBM models, offers significant improvements in both ballistic protection and mine resistance.
Armament has been updated with the Leonardo-developed X-GUN 30mm turret, which can use all types of ammunition in accordance with NATO standards. This system is particularly notable for its use of Air Burst Munitions (ABM), which are particularly effective in anti-drone missions. In addition, new-generation electronic components compliant with NGVA (NATO Generic Vehicle Architecture) standards are integrated with the advanced aiming systems “Janus D” and “Lothar SD.”
The vehicles are also equipped with next-generation communication and command and control systems to meet the requirements of the digital battlefield. Leonardo’s C2D/N Evo command and control system and SDR VQ1 four-channel radio enhance the vehicles’ communication capabilities. At the same time, Galileo PRS technology provides secure satellite navigation via both the European Galileo and US GPS systems.
“The new VBM PLUS distinguishes itself by increased mobility, protection, lethality, and integrated C4I, allowing the Italian Army to face the challenges of the coming years with a truly state-of-the-art vehicle, integrated into the netcentric architecture of the digital battlefield,” the CIO said in its press release.