The Freccia is up-armoured and improved variant of the wheeled Centaurotank destroyer fitted with the Hitfist turret, which is armed with an KBA25mmautocannon and carries 200 rounds of 25mm ammunition. Two 7.62mm NATO machine guns are also fitted. Additionally, a pair of Spike MR/LR anti-tank missiles can be fitted on the turret. The Hitfist turret could theoretically also fit cannons and guns of up to 60mm calibre. Four 80mm smoke grenade launchers are mounted on each side of the turret. The fire control system is the same as for the Centauro reconnaissance/anti-tank version. The Freccia can carry up to eight combat-ready troops.
Procurement
In 2006, the Italian government ordered a first batch of 249 Freccia vehicles in the versions: 190 Combat, 36 Combat Anti-tank, 2 Command Post and 21 Mortar Carrier. All of these were delivered by 6 June 2017 and used to equip the Mechanized Brigade "Pinerolo". In December 2019 a further 81 Freccia were ordered: 5 Combat, 36 Combat Anti-tank, 26 Command Post and 14 Mortar Carrier. An additional 300 Freccia EVO will be ordered: 180 in various versions to complete the accouterment of the Mechanized Brigade "Aosta", and 120 Freccia EVO Reconnaissance to equip the army's cavalry regiments.
Variants
Freccia Combat, with a two-man Hitfist turret with KBA 25mm autocannon
Freccia Combat Anti-tank, with a two-man Hitfist turret with KBA 25mm autocannon and dual Spike LRanti-tank missile launcher
Freccia Command Post, in two versions: Freccia Tactical Squad and Freccia Command Squad
In July 2018, the Italian Army signed a €159 million contract to acquire 10 Centauro II tank destroyers, the first tranche of a planned 150-vehicle order. The 30-ton Centauro II is based on the Freccia chassis with a two-man turret with a 120 mm gun. Additional improvements include a digital communications system, a 720 hp engine delivering 24 hp/ton, and wheels extending farther out from the hull for greater stability and better protection against mine blasts.
Freccia EVO
The Freccia EVO is a development of the Centauro II with a remote Hitfist OWS turret with 30mm autocannon. The army plans to acquire 300 Freccia EVO, 120 of which in the Reconnaissance variant.
Freccia EVO Combat, with a remote Hitfist OWS turret with 30mm autocannon
Freccia EVO Reconnaissance, with a remote Hitfist OWS turret with 30mm autocannon and Janus sensor mast
