The VBM – Freccia is a family of 8x8 armoured vehicles that was designed and manufactured for the Italian Army by IVECO for the hull, the engine and the suspension, and OTO Melara for the armament.

The Freccia was ordered to replace Cold War VCC-2 armoured personnel carriers of the Mechanized Brigade "Pinerolo" in Southern Italy.

It was designed by Iveco and OTO Melara with their own resources in order to meet the needs of the Italian Army.

[4] After this first batch, the Italian Army needed additional vehicles to replace the specialised variants of the M113 in service.

It reduces the number of application specific control units, and therefore minimises the need for space and energy.

One of the element of this architecture is the SICCONA C2D command, control and navigation system, which includes NEC (Network Enabled Capability).

[7][4] As for the communications, Leonardo supplies the SWave VQ1 4-channel software defined radio which operates in the HF, VHF and UHF bands, plus a digital intercom system is available.

The Italian Army variant is including it in its Network Enhanced Capability, known as the SICCONA C2D/N EVO which is to be expanded to the other armoured fighting vehicles.

[7] The Iron Fist hard-kill protection system has already been tested, a potential integration is being evaluated by the Italian Army.