The Iveco - Oto Melara Consortium (CIO) signs the contract for the Italian Army’s new VBM Combat ‘PLUS’

The Iveco - Oto Melara Consortium (CIO) announces the signing of a contract to supply 14 Mortar Carrier VBMs, 26 Command Post VBMs (13 in Tactical Unit and 13 in Command Unit version), along with six ‘10x10’ rescue and recovery vehicles.

Signed on December 30, 2021, at the Secretary of Defence (Segredifesa) Land Armaments Directorate, the contract comes as part of the ongoing supply (‘Phase 2’) of Medium Armoured Vehicles to the Italian Army’s Second Medium Brigade, and includes an upgrade to ‘PLUS’ version for the VBM platform, as well as long-term integrated logistics support for all platforms purchased.

VBM Combat ‘PLUS’ version

The VBM Combat ‘PLUS’ version will see changes to both the vehicle and the turret

The VBM Combat ‘PLUS’ version will see changes to both the vehicle and the turret. Changes to the vehicle include upgrading to common rail technology for the engine, taking it from 550 HP to 660 HP, ready for a future hybrid-electric traction system, and upgrades to the driveline, thereby increasing growth potential by up to 15% compared to current levels.

As regards to the turret, Leonardo is upgrading the fire control system, introducing the latest generation electronic components that are capable of interfacing the new ‘Janus D’ and ‘Lothar D’ digital optic detection and aiming systems.

New digital intercom and fully upgraded CIS system

The contract also includes the supply of a new digital intercom system and a fully upgraded CIS system with four-channel SDR VQ1 radio, as well as the new C2D / N Evo Command and Control system, both developed by Leonardo.

The new VBM PLUS distinguishes itself by increased mobility, lethality and integrated C4I, allowing the Italian Army to face the challenges of the coming years with a truly state-of-the-art vehicle, integrated into the net-centric architecture of the digital battlefield.

Vehicle equipped with Galileo PRS technology

The vehicle will also be equipped with Galileo PRS technology, developed in Italy

The vehicle will also be equipped with Galileo PRS technology, developed in Italy, as part of the European Union’s secure satellite navigation system. In specific terms, this means the VBM will be equipped with a newly developed satellite receiver, the first-of-its-kind capable of receiving secure satellite navigation services from both the US GPS and European Galileo PRS systems.

In conclusion, the Iveco Defence Vehicles Recovery and Rescue platforms feature all-wheel drive over 5 axles, with three steering axles, FPT Industrial’s 680 HP Cursor 16 engine and a new-design cabin that offers the highest crew protection standards. These vehicles can lift and move loads of up to 25 tonnes, from a stable platform and recover vehicles broken down, damaged or overturned with overall weight up to 32 tonnes.

Iveco - Oto Melara Consortium (CIO)

The Iveco - Oto Melara Consortium, CIO for short, was established in 1985, on an equal participation basis between the Iveco Defence Vehicles and former Oto Melara, now Leonardo.

Within the Iveco - Oto Melara Consortium, Iveco Defence Vehicles, an Iveco Group company, provides for the engines, transmission and all the automotive components, as well as the hull and final assembly, while Leonardo handles the weapon systems, sight, command and control communication systems, as well as the hull and final assembly of tracked armoured vehicles. Both companies have consolidated experience in the field of protection against direct fire, mines and IEDs.