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VBA 8x8 Armoured Vehicle Future Core of Italian Amphibious Forces with Deliveries Starting in 2025.
Italy is set to modernize its amphibious forces with the introduction of the Veicolo Blindato Anfibio (VBA) 8x8, an armored vehicle developed by IDV (Iveco Defence Vehicles) to replace the aging AAV-7A1 currently in service with both the Navy and the Army. The first delivery is scheduled for 2025 for the San Marco Brigade, based in Brindisi, while the Army is expected to receive 82 units for the Lagunari Regiment “Serenissima.” The full order is expected to be completed by 2030, marking a significant update to Italy’s amphibious capabilities.
On December 22, 2024, the Directorate of Land Armaments signed a contract with IDV for the supply of 36 Amphibious Armoured Vehicles (VBA) to the Italian Navy (Picture source: IDV)
Manufactured at IDV’s Bolzano facility, the VBA is independent of the Iveco-Oto Melara consortium, which typically handles the Italian Army’s armored vehicle programs, such as the Centauro II and Freccia. This independence provides IDV with greater production flexibility, allowing the vehicle to be tailored to specific operational requirements while remaining adaptable for potential export customers. The standard Italian version is configured as an armored personnel carrier, featuring a crew of three—commander, gunner, and driver—and capable of transporting up to ten dismounts. Several additional variants are planned, including a combat version equipped with a remotely operated turret armed with a 30mm cannon, command post vehicles, armored recovery vehicles, and mortar carriers.
The VBA is fully amphibious and can be deployed directly from a landing craft through a simple activation system that extends the trim vane at the front, engages the bilge pumps, and deploys the snorkel. Once afloat, it is powered by two independent propellers located beneath the rear hull, driven by a power take-off connected to the gearbox, allowing a maximum water speed of six knots. It is designed to operate effectively in sea conditions up to Sea State 3, ensuring rapid and reliable force projection in various maritime environments.
On land, the vehicle is powered by an Iveco Cursor 16 turbocharged diesel engine producing 700 horsepower, paired with an Allison 4800 SP automatic transmission, enabling a top speed of 105 km/h. This powertrain provides excellent mobility across different terrains, offering significantly improved agility compared to the AAV-7A1 it replaces. The increased power and maneuverability allow it to meet the demands of modern amphibious and land-based operations, ensuring a seamless transition from water to ground combat.
In terms of armament, the Italian Navy’s variant is equipped with Leonardo’s remotely operated Hitrole turret, armed with a stabilized 12.7mm machine gun. This weapon system is directly procured from Leonardo in La Spezia rather than being supplied as government-furnished equipment. For export, other configurations are available, including a remotely operated weapon station featuring a 30mm cannon and a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, as well as the option to integrate two Spike-LR anti-tank missiles, enhancing engagement capabilities against a variety of threats.
The VBA is based on the SuperAV 8x8 platform, which has also been adopted in the United States under the designation Amphibious Combat Vehicle, with over 200 units produced by BAE Systems. IDV supplies key subsystems for this program, including the powertrain, transmission, protective elements, and seating. Several nations are now considering the VBA as a replacement for their aging amphibious vehicles, including the Spanish Marine Infantry, which is seeking a modern alternative to its AAV-7A1 fleet.
With the introduction of the VBA 8x8, Italy is making a decisive step forward in modernizing its amphibious forces. This vehicle provides significant improvements in mobility, protection, and firepower compared to its predecessors, offering a more effective response to the demands of contemporary expeditionary and amphibious missions. Its deployment will greatly enhance the flexibility and operational effectiveness of Italian forces while strengthening IDV’s position in the international amphibious armored vehicle market. The transition to this new generation of vehicles marks a strategic shift towards increased capability, ensuring that Italy remains well-equipped to handle the operational challenges of the future.