On December 22nd, the Directorate of Land Armaments signed a contract with ?Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV) for the supply of VBA (Veicoli Blindati Anfibi) Amphibious Armoured Vehicles to the Italian Navy. The company will be supplying 36 VBA Amphibious Armoured Vehicles to the Italian Navy. IDV’s state-of-the-art amphibious vehicles will reinforce the fleet of San Marco Marina Brigade (BMSM) and will effectively increase the Sea Projection National Capability. The contract comes as part of the program to renew and extend the vehicles’ fleet for National Defence, aimed at increasing the Sea Projection National Capability of the Italian Navy.
The VBA Amphibious Armoured Vehicles is an 8×8 all-terrain vehicle, capable of being launched and recovered from an amphibious vessel in open ocean and offering at the same time excellent mobility and high-level ballistic, anti-mine and anti-IED protection. The VBA for the Italian Navy is based on the SUPERAV 8×8. In 2010, the SuperAV was offered to the Italian Navy for their requirement for an amphibious vehicle to replace the AAVTP-7A1 and was selected. The amphibious vehicle platform in collaboration with BAE Systems was selected by the United States Marine Corps for the ACV (Amphibious Combat Vehicle) program.
The Iveco Cursor 13 6L turbocharged multifuel diesel engine, combined with an automatic 7-speed gearbox and an H-driveline, derived from the Centauro and the VBM Freccia, provides the VBA with a maximum on-road speed of 105 km/h (65 mph) on land and 10 km/h (6.2 mph) on water, while the two rear-mounted hydraulic propellers guarantee the navigation beyond “Sea State 3” and a top speed of 6 knots. The wheels have a central tire inflation system and run-flat tires. It can be air transported by a C-130 Hercules or an Airbus A400M. The platform is equipped with a HITROLE Light remote turret, supplied by Leonardo, with a 12.7mm calibre weapon and latest generation C4 systems.
Iveco Defence Vehicles is a brand of CNH Industrial N.V., a World leader in Capital Goods listed on the New York Stock Exchange and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario of the Borsa Italiana . The company manufactures specialist logistic, protected and armoured vehicles in its facility in Bolzano in Northern Italy, as well as marketing Iveco’s full commercial range, adapted as necessary to meet the demands of the military user. IVECO Defence vehicles also offers a full range of battle proven, powerful and capable 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 purpose designed military logistic vehicles to provide tactical support to any military operation in the most hostile environmental conditions. The vehicles can be fitted with a cab which allows them to be airportable in a C130.
