Iveco LMV2 Family

Iveco LMV2 Overview

The Iveco LMV2 is a highly capable 4-wheel armored military vehicle developed by the Italian defense company Iveco Defence Vehicles. Renowned for its durability, adaptability, and advanced engineering, the LMV2 has been adopted by numerous defense forces across the globe. It is available in multiple configurations, including the Crew Cab Short Wheelbase 8100, Chassis Cab Long Wheelbase 7100, Chassis Cab Long Wheelbase 7750, and Medevac Long Wheelbase 7100, each tailored for specific operational needs. Designed to deliver exceptional performance and protection, the Iveco LMV2 continues to set benchmarks in the field of light multirole vehicles.

Iveco LMV2 Chassis

The LMV2 is equipped with a 3.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces 220 horsepower and over 456 Nm of torque. It is paired with a fully automatic transmission that includes eight forward speeds, one reverse speed, and a two-speed transfer box, providing permanent four-wheel drive capabilities.

The vehicle features independent suspension systems on both the front and rear axles, utilizing double A-arm setups, coil springs, and telescopic shock absorbers to support mobility and stability on various terrains. It is fitted with 325/80 R16 tubeless, run-flat tires, supported by a Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) that allows for tire pressure adjustments during movement to suit different surface conditions.

Braking is managed by a dual-line air-over-hydraulic system with disc brakes on all wheels, enhanced by an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESP) to maintain handling and safety.

Iveco LMV2 Variants

LMV2 Crew Cab Short Wheelbase 8100

Weight and Dimensions

The Crew Cab Short Wheelbase 8100 variant of the LMV2 family has a curb weight of 6,600 kilograms and a payload capacity of around 1500 kilograms, resulting in a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 8,100 kilograms. The vehicle measures 4,845 millimeters in length, 2,172 millimeters in height, and 2,275 millimeters in width, including accessories. It has a wheelbase of 3,230 millimeters. Ground clearance is 350 millimeters, optimizing its performance for off-road operations and obstacle clearance.

Performance

The LMV2 Crew Cab Short Wheelbase 8100 variant achieves a maximum speed of 110 km/h and a range of 600 kilometers. It has a turning radius of 7.15 meters and is capable of fording water up to 750 millimeters deep. Its approach and departure angles are 48° and 43°, respectively, ensuring effective navigation of steep inclines and challenging terrain. The vehicle has a gradeability of 60%, can traverse side slopes up to 30%. The power-to-weight ratio is 27.1 horsepower per ton.

Protection and Armament

The LMV2 Crew Cab Short Wheelbase 8100 variant offers ballistic protection compliant with STANAG 4569, safeguarding the crew compartment against small arms fire and shrapnel. It also provides mine protection according to STANAG 4569. The vehicle can be equipped with different kind of turrets, cupolas etc. Gunports and rifle holders can be provided as an option. Additional protection systems can be integrated as per mission requirements.

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LMV2 Chassis Cab Long Wheelbase

Weight and Dimensions

Chassis Cab Long Wheelbase variants of the LMV2 family have curb weight of 4,700 kilograms and a payload capacities are around 2400 kilograms or 3000 kilograms depending on models. This variant offers two different Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) options: 7,100 and 7,750 kilograms. The vehicle measures 5,310 millimeters in length, 2,055 millimeters in height, and 2,200 millimeters in width, including accessories. It has a wheelbase of 3,530 millimeters. Ground clearance is 345 millimeters, optimizing its performance for off-road operations and obstacle clearance.

Performance

LMV2 Chassis Cab Long Wheelbase variants achieves a maximum speed of 110 km/h and a range of 700 kilometers. It has a turning radius of below 9 meters and is capable of fording water up to 850 millimeters deep. Its approach and departure angles are 54° and 40°, respectively, ensuring effective navigation of steep inclines and challenging terrain. The vehicle has a gradeability of 60%, can traverse side slopes up to 30%. The power-to-weight ratio is 28.3 horsepower per ton for Chassis Cab Long Wheelbase 7750 variant. But, Chassis Cab Long Wheelbase 7100 variant offers 30.9 horsepower per ton as power-to-weight ratio.

Features

The vehicle accommodates a crew of two, with two blast-resistant front-facing seats and access through two doors. It also features a single-piece windshield and two windows on the doors. an optional spare wheel is provided for operational flexibility.

Protection and Armament

The LMV2 Chassis Cab Long Wheelbase variant offers ballistic protection compliant with STANAG 4569, safeguarding the crew compartment against small arms fire and shrapnel. It also provides mine protection according to STANAG 4569. The vehicle can be equipped with different kind of machine gun mountings. Gunports and rifle holders can be provided as an option. Additional protection systems can be integrated as per mission requirements.

Free PDF Specsheets

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LMV2 Medevac Long Wheelbase 7100

Weight and Dimensions

The Medevac Long Wheelbase 7100 variant of the LMV2 family has a curb weight of approximately 6,700 kilograms and a payload capacity of around 400 kilograms, resulting in a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 7,100 kilograms. The vehicle measures 5,275 millimeters in length, 2,345 millimeters in height, and 2,200 millimeters in width, including accessories. It has a wheelbase of 3,530 millimeters. Ground clearance is 345 millimeters, optimizing its performance for off-road operations and obstacle clearance.

Performance

The LMV2 Medevac Long Wheelbase 7100 variant achieves a maximum speed of 110 km/h and a range of 700 kilometers. It has a turning radius of below 9 meters and is capable of fording water up to 750 millimeters deep. Its approach and departure angles are 54° and 40°, respectively, ensuring effective navigation of steep inclines and challenging terrain. The vehicle has a gradeability of 60%, can traverse side slopes up to 30%. The power-to-weight ratio is 30.9 horsepower per ton.

Protection and Armament

The LMV2 Medevac Long Wheelbase 7100 variant offers ballistic protection compliant with STANAG 4569, safeguarding the crew compartment against small arms fire and shrapnel. It also provides mine protection according to STANAG 4569. Additional protection systems can be integrated as per mission requirements.

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Development Story of the Iveco LMV2

The story of the Iveco LMV2 is intrinsically linked to the successful legacy of the original Iveco LMV, which first emerged in the early 2000s. The initial LMV was developed as a private venture by Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV), aiming to create a highly protected, high-mobility tactical vehicle capable of operating across diverse roles. The LMV quickly gained international acclaim for its innovative design, particularly its focus on crew survivability against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) through features like a V-shaped hull, suspended seats, and a collapsible sandwich floor structure.

As military operations evolved, particularly in theaters like Afghanistan and Iraq, the threats faced by light tactical vehicles became more sophisticated and lethal. This led to a continuous process of feedback and refinement for the original LMV, culminating in the conceptualization and development of the LMV2. The primary drivers for the LMV2’s development, based on lessons learned in the field and evolving operational requirements, included:

• Increased Payload Capacity: One of the most significant upgrades was a substantial increase in payload, allowing the LMV2 to carry more mission-specific equipment, heavier add-on armor, and more extensive C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) systems. This was achieved through a more robust chassis and an upgraded driveline. The payload capacity was increased by some 40% over the original LMV.
• Enhanced Performance and Mobility: The LMV2 was designed with a more powerful engine and a new automatic transmission, providing greater power and torque. This, combined with an upgraded driveline, new specially designed suspension units, and recently developed all-terrain tires, significantly enhanced its cross-country mobility, off-road handling, and overall performance.
• Improved Crew Comfort and Ergonomics: Drawing on operator feedback, the internal layout of the LMV2 was redesigned for greater crew comfort. This included new seats, a next-generation digitized dashboard, and an upgraded hardtop. The internal cab height was increased to create more internal volume, allowing for more comfortable accommodation of fully-equipped soldiers, even with body armor and personal equipment.
• Advanced Electronic Architecture and EMC: Recognizing the increasing reliance on complex electronic systems in modern warfare, the LMV2 was fitted with a new digitized electronic architecture and an improved power supply. This greatly enhanced its Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) profile, making it exceptionally adaptable as a mobile radio platform and capable of fulfilling demanding MIL-STD requirements for integrating extensive GFE (Government Furnished Equipment) like radios, Battle Management Systems (BMS), intercoms, and Electronic Counter Measures (ECM).
• Continued and Enhanced Protection: While building on the LMV’s already strong survivability features, the LMV2 further refined its IED and ballistic protection. This included improvements to the crew cell design, the addition of a third hinge to each door, and the use of new materials to withstand contemporary threats. The vehicle maintains the decoupled crew cell, anti-explosion shield, multi-layer floor structure, and suspended, cushioned seats that were hallmarks of the original LMV’s blast protection.
• Reduced Logistic Footprint and Maintenance: The LMV2 was also designed to reduce maintenance load by improving the type and location of subsystems and tailoring the service schedule. The digitized dashboard provides on-demand maintenance data based on prognostics, allowing for more accurate and scheduled maintenance tasks rather than just preventive maintenance.

The LMV2 was first publicly displayed at the Eurosatory defense exhibition in Paris in June 2016. This marked its formal introduction as a new generation of the combat-proven LMV. Following extensive testing and fine-tuning, the first production LMV2s (designated VTLM 2 NEC, or Lince 2, in Italian service) began to enter service with the Italian Army in January 2021, delivered under a 2017 contract. The development of the LMV2 underscores Iveco Defence Vehicles’ commitment to continuous innovation and responsiveness to the evolving needs of its global military customers.

Exhibitions and Unveilings

The launch and subsequent presentations of the Iveco LMV2 at major international defense exhibitions have been crucial for establishing its presence in the global market and demonstrating its advanced capabilities.

• Eurosatory 2016 (Paris, France) – June 2016: This was the official global unveiling of the Iveco LMV2. Iveco Defence Vehicles used this premier land and air-land defense exhibition to showcase the new generation of its highly successful Light Multirole Vehicle. The presentation highlighted the LMV2’s key improvements: increased payload, enhanced performance, improved crew comfort, and a new electronic architecture. This debut was vital for immediately positioning the LMV2 as a modern, upgraded solution for the diverse requirements of armed forces worldwide.
• Eurosatory 2018 (Paris, France) – June 2018: Two years after its initial unveiling, Iveco Defence Vehicles was again prominently present at Eurosatory 2018, displaying the LMV2. This time, they presented both an unequipped vehicle and a variant fitted with the C4ISR weapon systems required by the Italian Army, part of a contract signed in 2016. This demonstrated the vehicle’s capacity for complex system integration and its readiness for network-centric operations.
• IDEX 2021 (Abu Dhabi, UAE) – February 2021: Iveco Defence Vehicles utilized IDEX 2021 to showcase its newest developments, including the LMV2, and highlight its latest commercial successes. This exhibition provided a critical platform to engage with customers from the Middle East and beyond, a significant market for protected military vehicles.
• DSEI (Defence and Security Equipment International – London, UK): As one of the world’s leading defense and security events, DSEI would have likely seen the LMV2 showcased, particularly given the UK’s previous adoption of the original LMV (as the Panther CLV). It allows for direct engagement with potential customers and partners in the European market.
• World Defense Show (WDS – Saudi Arabia): As a major emerging defense exhibition, the LMV2 would be presented to target the growing defense spending in the Middle East, showcasing its suitability for the region’s operational environments.
• DEFEA (Defence Exhibition of Athens, Greece): Although the focus might be on the original LMV, the LMV2’s capabilities would be highlighted in presentations and discussions, especially as countries look to modernize their fleets.
• Other Regional Exhibitions: Iveco Defence Vehicles would strategically present the LMV2 at various regional defense expos in Asia, Latin America, and other parts of Europe to demonstrate its versatility and secure new market opportunities.

These consistent exhibition appearances have been instrumental in promoting the LMV2’s capabilities, fostering international partnerships, and securing significant contracts by continuously presenting its evolving design and advanced integrations to a global military and security audience.

Users and Operators

The Iveco LMV2, building on the strong foundation of the original LMV, has begun to see significant adoption by various armed forces globally. Its enhanced capabilities make it particularly attractive for modern military and security operations requiring high levels of protection, mobility, and sophisticated system integration.

• Italy (Home User): The Italian Army is the primary and most significant user of the LMV2.
  • Designated as the VTLM 2 NEC (Veicolo Tattico Leggero Multiruolo 2 Network Enabled Capability) or Lince 2, the first production vehicles entered service with the Italian Army’s 82nd Infantry Regiment “Torino” in January 2021. This was part of an initial contract issued by the Italian Ministry of Defense in 2017 for 34 serial LMV2s in the NEC configuration, emphasizing their integration into network-centric warfare systems. The Italian Army has ambitious plans for the LMV2, aiming for a gradual replacement of its current VTLM 1A fleet, potentially reaching two thousand Lince 2 vehicles by 2034.
• Netherlands: A major European customer, the Netherlands signed a contract with Iveco Defence Vehicles in November 2019 to acquire 1,275 medium multirole protected vehicles, a significant portion of which are LMV2s in five different variants. Deliveries are slated for the 2022-2027 timeframe, demonstrating a substantial commitment to the LMV2 platform.
• Brazil: The Brazilian Army has expressed a strong intention to acquire the LMV2.
  • In April 2024, the Brazilian Army announced its intention to acquire 420 Iveco IDV LMV-2 light multi-role vehicles, which they have renamed VBMT 4X4 Guaicuru. This follows an earlier contract signed in 2019 for 32 LMV-BR vehicles (a local variant), with the first delivered in April 2021. The larger acquisition highlights the Brazilian Army’s ongoing modernization efforts.

The growing list of confirmed and potential operators for the LMV2 demonstrates its strong appeal in the international defense market. Its ability to provide enhanced protection, increased payload, and seamless integration with modern C4ISR systems makes it a highly desirable solution for armed forces facing complex and evolving threats.

Securing the Future: Contracts and Sales

The Iveco LMV2 has quickly garnered significant interest and secured substantial contracts, building on the commercial success and battle-proven reputation of its predecessor. These contracts underscore the global demand for a highly protected, versatile, and technologically advanced light multirole vehicle.

Key Contracts and Acquisitions:

• Italy (Domestic User): The Italian Army is the launch customer and primary operator of the LMV2.
  • 2017 Contract: The Italian Ministry of Defense awarded Iveco Defence Vehicles a contract for an initial batch of 34 serial LMV2s, specifically in the NEC (Networked Enabled Capability) configuration. These vehicles are designated VTLM 2 NEC (Lince 2) in Italian service. Deliveries of the first vehicles under this contract began in November 2018, with the initial batch entering service with combat units in January 2021.
  • Long-Term Procurement Plan: The Italian Army has a long-term vision to procure a substantial number of LMV2s, with plans to gradually replace its existing VTLM 1A (original LMV) fleet. Projections suggest a potential acquisition of up to two thousand Lince 2 vehicles by 2034, highlighting a significant and sustained commitment to the LMV2 platform.
• Netherlands: A major export success for the LMV2.
  • November 2019 Contract: The Dutch Ministry of Defence signed a significant contract with Iveco Defence Vehicles for the provision of 1,275 medium multirole protected vehicles. A substantial portion of these are LMV2s, configured in five different variants to meet diverse operational needs of the Royal Netherlands Army and Marine Corps. Deliveries for this large order are scheduled between 2022 and 2027. This contract cemented the LMV2’s position as a preferred choice for European NATO forces.
• Brazil: Brazil has shown a strong and growing commitment to the LMV2.
  • 2019 Contract (LMV-BR): An earlier contract was signed for 32 LMV-BR vehicles (a local variant of the LMV, likely incorporating LMV2 features or being fully LMV2s), with the first unit delivered in April 2021.
  • April 2024 Intent to Acquire: The Brazilian Army announced its intention to acquire a much larger fleet of 420 Iveco IDV LMV-2 light multi-role vehicles, which they have renamed VBMT 4×4 Guaicuru. This signifies a substantial future investment and a strategic decision to standardize on the LMV2 for their light protected vehicle requirements.

The consistent flow of these significant contracts, particularly from key NATO members like Italy and the Netherlands, and emerging defense powers like Brazil, highlights the LMV2’s strong market appeal. Its ability to offer enhanced protection, increased payload, and seamless integration with modern C4ISR systems makes it a highly attractive and commercially successful solution for diverse military and security forces worldwide.

Conclusion: The Vanguard of Light Protected Mobility

The Iveco LMV2 stands as a paramount example of how continuous innovation and responsiveness to operational lessons can elevate a proven platform to new heights. Building upon the formidable foundation of the original LMV (Lince), the LMV2 has been meticulously engineered by Iveco Defence Vehicles to meet and exceed the escalating demands of modern military and security operations. It represents a critical evolution in light tactical vehicle design, prioritizing crew survivability, enhanced performance, and seamless technological integration.

From its public debut at Eurosatory 2016, the LMV2 immediately signaled a significant leap forward. Its development was directly informed by extensive combat experience from the original LMV in theaters like Afghanistan, where the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and small arms fire underscored the absolute necessity of robust protection. The LMV2’s design incorporates a more powerful engine, an advanced 8-speed automatic transmission, and an upgraded driveline, collectively delivering superior mobility and off-road capability across diverse terrains. Crucially, its increased payload capacity allows for the integration of more extensive mission systems and heavier add-on armor, ensuring greater operational flexibility and survivability.

Beyond its physical resilience, the LMV2 is a technologically sophisticated platform. Its new digitized electronic architecture and enhanced Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) profile make it ideal for hosting cutting-edge C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) equipment, supporting network-centric warfare. This capability allows for real-time information sharing and improved situational awareness, which are vital in today’s complex battle spaces. Furthermore, improvements in crew ergonomics, including a more spacious and comfortable cabin, contribute to sustained operational effectiveness during prolonged missions.

The global adoption of the LMV2 is a testament to its compelling capabilities. The Italian Army, as the launch customer, has ambitious plans to integrate the LMV2 (VTLM 2 NEC / Lince 2) as its primary light tactical vehicle, with significant deliveries already underway since January 2021. The substantial contracts from the Netherlands for over 1,200 vehicles and the expressed intent from Brazil to acquire over 400 units underscore the LMV2’s strong international appeal. These sales reflect a widespread recognition of its ability to deliver enhanced protection, superior performance, and the necessary technological infrastructure for contemporary military operations.

In essence, the Iveco LMV2 is more than just an armored vehicle; it is a strategic asset designed to empower modern armed forces. Its ongoing evolution, driven by lessons from the field and forward-looking technological integration, ensures its enduring relevance in safeguarding personnel and enabling mission success in the ever-evolving landscape of global security challenges. The LMV2 solidifies Iveco Defence Vehicles’ reputation as a leader in protected mobility solutions, providing a vital tool for those who operate on the front lines.

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