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Italy Selects BvS10 to Replace BV206 Fleet in Strategic BAE Systems–IDV Partnership

Italy will replace 268 BV206s with the BvS10 under a new BAE Systems–IDV deal, localizing production and aligning with NATO’s CATV framework. Learn more about Italy’s strategic tracked mobility shift.

by Großwald

Updated May 23, 2025

Italy Selects BvS10 to Replace BV206 Fleet in Strategic BAE Systems–IDV Partnership

ROME | DEFENSE PROCUREMENT — Italy will replace its fleet of 268 legacy BV206 all-terrain vehicles with the modern BvS10 platform under a newly formalized agreement between BAE Systems Hägglunds and Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV). The deal, announced on May 22, 2025, establishes a local production and customization roadmap for Italian-specific BvS10 variants, strengthening Italy’s defense industrial base and advancing European defense sovereignty.

Key Takeaways:

Italy to retire 268 BV206 vehicles
BAE Systems and IDV deepen strategic cooperation
Local manufacturing and design adaptation for Italian needs
Improves NATO interoperability and supports CATV initiative
Timeline and delivery volumes not yet disclosed

Why Italy Chose the BvS10: Strategic Context

As European defense posture evolves amid heightened geopolitical risk, Italy is modernizing its land mobility systems. The BvS10 all-terrain vehicle, already fielded by Sweden, France, UK, and Ukraine, is part of a wider trend toward high-mobility tracked platforms optimized for contested logistics and extreme environments.

The BV206—originally introduced in the 1980s—is no longer suited for modern tactical requirements. In contrast, the BvS10 provides:

Articulated steering for enhanced maneuverability
Extremely low ground pressure (0.14 kg/cm²)—lower than a human foot
All-climate, all-terrain mobility, including amphibious operations
Rapid configuration for multiple mission sets

Mission Modularity and Tactical Versatility

Beyond terrain performance, the BvS10’s true advantage lies in its mission-configurable design. Built around a dual-compartment architecture and a NATO-standard C-rail interface, the platform supports rapid adaptation across operational roles—ranging from casualty evacuation and command posts to logistics, indirect fire support, and combat recovery.

The latest variant, the Crew Support Weapon (CSW) model, blends a remote weapon station with a manned interface, allowing users to combine heavy firepower with direct situational awareness. Weapon integration spans from 5.56 mm rifles to 12.7 mm heavy machine guns, as well as 40 mm automatic grenade launchers, enabling flexible lethality across mission types.

With a 6-tonne payload capacity and full digital C2 system compatibility, the BvS10 is designed to support modern networked operations. Its open architecture and low lifecycle cost make it not just a tactical platform—but a future-proofed mobility node for NATO forces operating in increasingly unpredictable environments.

Mission Versatility: BvS10 Variants

The BvS10 platform supports numerous mission configurations, including:

Troop transport
Command & control
Medical evacuation
Logistics and recovery
Reconnaissance
Weapons platform (e.g. 120mm mortar carrier)

This modularity enhances mission planning flexibility for Italy’s Army, Alpine brigades, and civil protection forces alike.

Industrial Sovereignty: Italian BvS10s to Be Built Locally

The new BAE–IDV agreement goes beyond procurement. It lays the groundwork for local assembly, design input, and production in Italy, aiming to:

Safeguard national supply chain resilience
Leverage local defense manufacturing expertise
Enable tailored systems integration for Italian Armed Forces

This aligns with Italy's national defense strategy and European calls for reduced dependency on non-EU defense suppliers.

“This partnership bundles the technical know-how of both companies and ensures the BvS10 is tailored to the needs of Italian defense,” said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, General Manager at BAE Systems Hägglunds.

NATO Interoperability and CATV Alignment

Italy’s move boosts platform convergence with other NATO allies. The BvS10 is already deployed by:

🇸🇪 Sweden
🇳🇱 Netherlands
🇫🇷 France
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇺🇦 Ukraine
🇦🇹 Austria

Italy’s entry into the BvS10 ecosystem could lead to participation in the Collaborative All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV)initiative launched by Sweden, Germany, and the UK, which secured joint orders of 627 BvS10 units in 2022–2023.

What’s Next: Delivery Timeline and Quantities

Although the replacement of Italy’s BV206 fleet is now confirmed, neither the procurement volume nor delivery timeline has been publicly disclosed. Official program updates are expected through Italy’s Direzione degli Armamenti Terrestri (DAT) in the coming months.