The Iveco-Oto Melara Consortium (CIO) has signed a significant contract with the Italian Ministry of Defence’s Directorate of Land Armaments (DAT) for the supply of 76 upgraded VBM Plus vehicles, consisting of 60 combat variants and 16 anti-tank variants, along with integrated logistics support and combat support vehicles. The deal, finalized on December 30, 2024, is part of the ongoing “Phase 2” supply of medium armoured vehicles to the Italian Army’s Second Medium Brigade. The VBM Freccia is an 8×8 medium armoured combat vehicle designed jointly by Iveco and Oto Melara. Iveco is responsible for the vehicle’s hull, engine, and suspension systems, while Oto Melara provides the armament. Initially developed as an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) equipped with the Hitfist turret, the Freccia builds on the legacy of the Centauro B1 tank destroyer. First produced in 1996 and ordered by the Italian Army in 2006, the Freccia platform has since evolved to meet the demands of modern battlefield requirements.
This contract represents a crucial step in the modernization of the Italian Army’s armoured vehicle fleet. The VBM Plus platform is an upgraded version of the original VBM (Veicolo Blindato Medio) Freccia, incorporating enhanced capabilities in mobility, protection, and firepower. The agreement also includes long-term integrated logistics support for all platforms and the provision of specialized 10×10 rescue and recovery vehicles, ensuring commonality across various tactical platforms in the Italian Army’s inventory. The VBM Plus is a further evolution of the Centauro II platform, incorporating significant improvements. A key upgrade is the enhancement of the powertrain, increasing the engine’s output from 550 hp to 720 hp through the use of common rail direct injection technology. This upgrade prepares the vehicle for potential future hybrid-electric propulsion. The vehicle also benefits from a new generation hull, improved driveline, and enhanced suspension systems, resulting in better mobility and increased protection against ballistic and mine threats.
In terms of firepower, the VBM Plus is equipped with Leonardo’s new X-GUN 30mm turret, capable of firing NATO-standard 30x173mm ammunition, including the advanced Air Burst Munition (ABM), which is particularly effective for anti-drone operations. The turret upgrade also features state-of-the-art electronic components that comply with the NATO Generic Vehicle Architecture (NGVA) standard, integrating seamlessly with new digitized optronics such as the Janus D and Lothar SD systems for targeting and surveillance. The VBM Plus offers improved ballistic and anti-mine protection, both for the vehicle itself and for its crew. The updated turret provides superior protection compared to previous versions, while the vehicle’s communication systems have also been upgraded with Leonardo’s latest SDR VQ1 four-channel radio and the C2D/N Evo Command and Control system. These features are critical for integrating the VBM Plus into a networked, digital battlefield.
Furthermore, the VBM Plus is equipped with Galileo Public Regulated Service (PRS) technology, developed in Italy as part of the European Union’s secure satellite navigation system. This technology allows the vehicle to receive secure satellite navigation data from both the U.S. GPS and the European Galileo systems, enhancing its operational flexibility in diverse environments. The VBM Plus represents a significant leap forward for the Italian Army, providing enhanced mobility, protection, lethality, and integrated command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) capabilities. These upgrades ensure that the Italian Army will be able to face future operational challenges with a state-of-the-art vehicle that is fully integrated into the network-centric architecture of modern warfare. With this contract, the Italian Army continues to solidify its position at the forefront of military technology, leveraging advanced systems like the VBM Plus to maintain a decisive advantage on the battlefield in the years to come.
