At the end of December, the consortium Iveco – Oto Melara (CIO) consortium signed a contract with the Italian Armaments Directorate (DAT) for the delivery of 76 VBM Plus armored infantry fighting vehicles, integrated logistics support and corresponding combat support vehicles. CIO will supply 60 of the VBM Plus in the combat version and 16 in the anti-tank version.
The signed contract is part of the ongoing delivery (“Phase 2”) of medium armored vehicles to the Second Medium Brigade of the Italian Army and includes the upgrade of the VBM platform to the “Plus” version as well as the long-term integrated logistics support for all procured platforms and “10×10” rescue and recovery vehicles. The rescue and recovery vehicles ensure logistical commonality between the various tactical platforms in service.
The upgrade of the VBM combat and anti-tank armored vehicle in the “Plus” version includes changes to both the vehicle and the turret. For example, the engine will be converted to common rail technology, which will increase the power output from the current 550 hp to 720 hp and make the engine ready for a future hybrid electric drive system. A new generation of hulls will also be introduced to improve ballistic and mine protection. In addition, mobility will be increased by modernizing the drivetrain and suspensions.
The tower was equipped with the new Leonardo X-Gun 30-millimeter armament, which can use all types of 30×173 NATO-standard ammunition, including the new ABM ammunition (Air Burst Munition), which is also suitable for use against drones. Oto Melara has been part of the Leonardo Group since 2015. The introduction of the latest generation of electrical components – which comply with the NGVA standard (Nato Generic Vehicle Architecture) – leads to cooperation with the new digitized targeting and search optronics “Janus D” and “Lothar SD”. The new turret also offers improved ballistic and mine protection compared to the previous version.
The order also includes the delivery of the new digital intercom system and a fully updated CIS system that allows the use of the four-channel SDR VQ1 radio and the new C2D/N Evo command and control system, both from Leonardo. As part of the modernization, the VBM Plus will be equipped with the Galileo PRS technology developed in Italy, which is part of the European Union’s secure satellite navigation system. The integrated satellite receiver will be the first of its kind to be able to receive secure satellite navigation services from both the American GPS and the European Galileo PRS system.
Here for more news about Iveco Defense Vehicles and here to further news about the Italian armed forces.
