Leonardo-Iveco Consortium to Build 46 Vehicles in New Configuration
The Iveco-Oto Melara Consortium (CIO), a collaboration between Iveco and Leonardo, has signed a contract with the Italian MoD’s land armaments directorate to supply 46 VBM vehicles in a new Plus version.
The contract covers 14 mortar-carrying vehicles, 13 tactical command post vehicles, 13 command post vehicles and six 10×10 rescue and recovery vehicles.
The Plus variant of the VBM [velicolo blindato medio] includes changes to both vehicle and turret from previously-produced VBM Freccia IFVs. The engine is upgraded from 550 to 660hp as part of preparing the platform for a future hybrid-electric powertrain. The fire control system in the turret is upgraded, to allow interfacing with new digital optical detection and aiming systems, while Leonardo will install a new digital intercom, four-channel radio, and C2D/N Evo C2 system. A new satellite receiver will enable the vehicles to receive secure signals from both European Galileo and US GPS navigation and timing constellations.