VBM Freccia

The VBM Freccia is a family of eight-wheel-drive armoured vehicles designed and built for the Italian Army, with Iveco Defence Vehicles responsible for the hull, engine and suspension and OTO Melara for the armament. The first variant developed was the infantry fighting vehicle, fitted with the Hitfist turret also used on the Dardo. It was designed as an up-armoured variant of the Centauro, a first prototype was produced in 1996, and after a long test campaign the Italian Army placed a first order for 249 vehicles in 2006, delivered from 2007 to 2017. Variants in service include combat, anti-tank, mortar carrier and command post versions, and a Freccia PLUS with a more powerful engine and a 30 mm turret is planned. Total Italian orders are expected to reach 630 vehicles.