In a significant development for Italy’s military capabilities, BAE Systems Hägglunds and Iveco Defence Vehicles have formalized a memorandum of understanding aimed at providing the Bandvagn Skyddad 10 (BvS10) all-terrain vehicle specifically for the Italian Armed Forces. This strategic collaboration seeks to localize both the design and production of the BvS10 in Italy, tailoring the platform to meet the precise requirements of the Italian military.
The partnership is expected to draw on the extensive “expertise, technological know-how, and experience” from previous collaborations in national security projects. The BvS10 has already proven its versatility and effectiveness, currently utilized by various nations including Sweden, the UK, the US, France, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, and Ukraine.
Claudio Catalano, CEO of Iveco Defence Vehicles, emphasized their commitment to delivering high standards of survivability, performance, reliability, and safety to accommodate the diverse operational needs of the Italian Army and allied forces globally. Similarly, Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, General Manager of BAE Systems Hägglunds, highlighted that this agreement solidifies their dedication to enhancing European defense capabilities while simultaneously fostering industry growth.
The BvS10 is designed as a tracked amphibious vehicle, built to NATO standards with armor that protects against small arms and light artillery. Measuring 8 meters (26 feet) in length, the vehicle can transport over 10 passengers or roughly 8,000 kilograms (17,637 pounds) of cargo. Its armament includes machine guns, an automatic grenade launcher, smoke grenades, and mortars, making it a formidable asset on the battlefield.
With a land speed of up to 70 kilometers (43 miles) per hour and a water speed of approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) per hour, the BvS10 boasts an operational range of 500 kilometers (311 miles). Its modular architecture provides flexibility for various mission configurations, including command and control, logistics support, medical evacuation, repair and recovery, and weapons support.
This partnership marks a crucial step in enhancing Italy’s defense capabilities while contributing to the larger narrative of European military collaboration and modernization.
