The Iveco – Oto Melara Consortium (CIO) signed a contract with the Italian Secretary of Defence Land Armaments Directorate on 30 December 2021 to provide 14 Mortar Provider Veicolo blindato medio (VBMs), 26 Command Put up VBMs (13 Tactical Unit and 13 Command Unit variations), and 6 10×10 rescue and restoration automobiles. Signed on 30 December 2021, on the Secretary of Defence (Segredifesa) Land Armaments Directorate, the contract comes as a part of the continuing provide (“Part 2”) of Medium Armoured Automobiles to the Italian Military’s Second Medium Brigade, and contains an improve to “PLUS” model for the VBM platform, in addition to long-term built-in logistics help for all platforms bought.

The VBM Fight “PLUS” model will see modifications to each the automobile and the turret. Adjustments to the automobile embody upgrading to frequent rail expertise for the engine, taking it from 550 HP to 660 HP prepared for a future hybrid-electric traction system, and upgrades to the driveline, growing development potential by as much as 15% in comparison with present ranges. The “Freccia” VBM is an 8×8 Armoured Infantry Preventing Car (AIFV) of confirmed reliability in its varied variations (Fight, Anti-tank, Mortar Provider and Command Put up) and represents the results of highly-technological synergies between the Technical Space (Common Secretariat of Defence – Directorate of Land Armaments), the Operative Space (Military Common Employees) of the Ministry of Defence and the Italian Trade.

Commercial

VBM Freccia Mortar Provider

Leonardo is upgrading the hearth management system, introducing newest technology digital elements able to interfacing the brand new “Janus D” and “Lothar D” digital optic detection and aiming techniques. The contract additionally contains the provision of a brand new digital intercom system and a completely upgraded CIS system with four-channel SDR VQ1 radio, in addition to the brand new C2D / N Evo Command and Management system, each developed by Leonardo. The automobile will even be geared up with Galileo PRS expertise developed in Italy as a part of the European Union safe satellite tv for pc navigation system. The brand new VBM PLUS distinguishes itself by elevated mobility, lethality and built-in C4I, permitting the Italian Military to face the challenges of the approaching years with a really state-of-the-art automobile.

The contract makes use of funds allotted within the Tri-ministerial Conference between the Ministries of Defence, Financial Improvement and Finance, allocating round 1.5 billion Euros to the “Freccia” VBM mission within the coming
years (as much as 2032), drawn from sources accredited by the 2017 and 2018 Price range Payments. The Iveco – Oto Melara Consortium, CIO in brief, was established in 1985 on equal participation between Iveco Defence Automobiles and former Oto Melara, which is now Leonardo. Throughout the Consortium, Iveco Defence Automobiles, a CNH Industrial firm, is liable for engines, gears and all of the automotive elements, the hull and the ultimate integration of wheeled armoured automobiles whereas Leonardo is liable for weapon techniques, sight and fireplace management techniques and the hull and the ultimate integration of tracked armoured automobiles.

 VBM Freccia ACP Command Unit
VBM Freccia ACP Command Unit