The Iveco – Oto Melara Consortium (CIO) announces that a contract has been signed at the Land Armaments Directorate for the supply of 76 VBM Plus, 60 Combat and 16 Counter-Tanks, integrated logistical support and related combat support vehicles.
The contract, signed on 30 December 2024, is part of the continuation of the supply (so-called “Contract Collection”). “2^ phase”) of the Medium Armored Vehicles for the Second Medium Brigade of the Italian Army and provides for the adaptation of the configuration of the VBM platform to the so-called “PLUS” version and the supply of multi-year integrated logistical support relating to all the platforms acquired, in addition to the 10×10 recovery and rescue vehicles, which guarantee logistical continuity with the tactical platforms in service and represent excellence in terms of mobility and protection.
The update to the “PLUS” version of the VBM “Combat” and “Counter Tank” affects both the vehicle platform and the tower. As far as the vehicle platform is concerned, the following should be highlighted:
the update to common rail technology of the engine which goes from 550 hp to 720 hp with relative predisposition for future hybrid-electric tractions;
the implementation of a new generation hull that derives from the experience gained in recent years on the Centauro II and VBA platforms;
the upgrade of the driveline and suspensions that will allow a significant improvement in mobility and an increase in growth potential.
These updates will also make it possible to further increase the ballistic and anti-mine protection of the hull, with state-of-the-art technological solutions.
As far as the tower is concerned, it is worth noting the introduction of Leonardo’s new X-GUN 30mm armament capable of using all types of ammunition from 30mmx173 to NATO standards, including the new ABM (Air Burst Munition) ammunition also suitable for anti-drone use.
The updates introduced mainly concerned the upgrade of the firing system, by Leonardo, with the introduction of the latest generation electronic components compliant with the new NGVA (Nato Generic Vehicle Architecture) standard and capable of interfacing the new “Janus D” and Lothar SD digitized discovery and pointing optronics”.
The new tower provides the crew with an increased level of ballistic and anti-mine protection compared to the previous version. In addition to this, there is the supply of the new digital intercom and a completely updated CIS system that involves the use of the SDR VQ1 four-channel radio and the new Command and Control system, called C2D/N Evo, both by Leonardo.
The new VBM PLUS stands out for greater mobility, protection, lethality and C4I integration and will allow the Italian Army to face the challenges of the coming years with a vehicle that represents the state of the art in the sector, already integrated into the net-centric architecture of the digitized battlefield.
The weapon system is also equipped with technology that Italy is developing as part of the European Union’s system for safe satellite navigation, Galileo PRS. In particular, the new VBM will be equipped with a newly developed experimental satellite receiver that, for the first time, will be able to provide the secure satellite navigation services of the US GPS and the European Galileo PRS system.
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