BAE Systems and IDV team to pitch BvS10 into the Italian market

BAE Systems Hägglunds and Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on pitching BAE’s BvS10 armoured all-terrain vehicle into the Italian market, the two companies announced on 22 May 2025.

The collaboration, which would involve the localised design of Italian variants and manufacturing of the BvS10 in Italy, focuses on an Italian Army requirement for additional armoured tracked all-terrain vehicles, a BAE Systems Hägglunds spokesperson told ESD, rather than the potential acquisition being a replacement programme per se. The Italian Army currently operates around 138 armoured Bv206S vehicles and up to 110 unprotected Bv206s, although the latter are quite old and may ultimately need to be phased out.

“We are proud to collaborate with Iveco Defence Vehicles to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Italian armed forces,” Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, general manager of BAE Systems Hägglunds, was quoted as saying in a joint press release. “This partnership combines the technical expertise of both companies, ensuring the BvS10 is tailored to support Italy’s defence need. It also reinforces our commitment to enhancing European defence capabilities and bolstering the industry’s growth.”

Th industrial co-operation between BAE Systems and IDV would build on previous successful collaboration between the two companies, such as their joint development of the US Amphibious Combat Vehicle.

“IDV is a longstanding partner for the Italian Army,” said Claudio Catalano, IDV’s CEO. “We are committed to continuing our effort in offering the highest standards of survivability, performance, reliability and safety to satisfy the diverse needs of the Italian Army and the armed forces all over the world. With the agreement signed today, we will leverage the expertise, technological know-how and experience of IDV and BAE Systems to deliver the BvS10 to the Italian Army.”

BAE Systems’ BvS10 armoured, articulated vehicle is designed to provide total operational support where other vehicles cannot. Its mobility systems provide optimal manoeuvrability across varying terrains, including snow, ice, rock, sand, or mud, as well as steep mountain environments. The vehicle is also amphibious, allowing it to swim in flooded areas, floating bogs or coastal waters.

The BvS10’s modular design allows it to be reconfigured for varying missions and delivered in multiple variants, including personnel carrier, command-and-control vehicle, ambulance, repair and recovery vehicle, logistics support vehicle, sensor platform, and as a carrier platform for weapons such as mortars. BAE bills the vehicle as “the perfect combination of mobility, payload and protection”.

The vehicle is currently operated by Austria, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States and Ukraine. It is also on order for Germany.