December 27, 2019, the contract for the acquisition of 30 Medium Armored Vehicles 8x8 "Freccia" (5 in the Combat version and 25 in the Counter-tank version) was signed at Palazzo Guidoni, headquarters of the General Secretariat of Defense and the National Armaments Directorate. related ten-year integrated logistic support.
The VBM "Freccia" is an 8x8 Armored Infantry Vehicle (AIFV) with proven reliability in its various configurations (Combat, Counter, Mortar and Command Post) and represents the result of synergies with a high technological content between the Technical Area ( Segredifesa - Terrestrial Armaments Directorate) and the Operational Area (Army General Staff) of the Ministry of Defense and the Italian industrial sector.
Thanks to a hull designed to ensure maximum protection, a powerful Iveco engine coupled to the traditional H transmission, a three-axis steering capability, the HITFIST tower with a 25 mm gun and Leonardo's advanced Command, Control and Communication systems, the VBM "Freccia" guarantees the crew, in the various operational theaters, excellent tactical and strategic mobility, and protection of force combined with adequate firepower.
The supply makes use of the funds provided for by the Tri-Ministerial Convention, between the Departments of Defense, Economic Development and Finance, which allocates approximately € 1,5 billion to the VBM "Freccia" program for the next few years (until 2032) , drawn from the resources provided for by the 2017 and 2018 Budget Laws.
The contract marks the resumption of supplies of vehicles destined for the Second Army Medium Brigade, a unit based on 381 systems in various configurations.
