LMV
Introduced in Italy in 2006, the Iveco LMV is a light tactical vehicle used for patrol missions, featuring a specialized V-shaped hull designed for mine protection.
| Sub-type | Infantry mobility vehicle with MRAP capabilities |
| Crew | 1+4 personnels |
| Range | 500 km |
| Mass | 7.1 tons |
| Height | 2.05 m (6.7 ft) |
| Width | 2.2 m (7.2 ft) |
| Max. speed | 130 km/h (81 mph) |
| Engine | 220 horsepower (164 kW; 223 PS) diesel engine |
| Weapon 1 | Pintle-mounted machine gun |
| Weapon 2 | Remote controlled weapon station (RWS) |
Description
The Iveco LMV (Light Multirole Vehicle) is a four-wheel-drive tactical vehicle developed by Italian manufacturer Iveco in the 1990s, with initial production commencing in 2001. Developed to fulfill light tactical requirements, the vehicle was first adopted by the Italian Army as the Veicolo-Tattico-Leggero-Multiruolo (VTLM) Lince. The platform was subsequently selected by the British Army as the Panther Command and Liaison Vehicle, assembled under license by BAE Systems between 2006 and 2009. A Russian-built variant, designated the Rys, was assembled locally through a joint venture at the 127th Wheeled Vehicle Repair Plant in Voronezh. Post-2015 production introduced a more powerful diesel engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, an upgraded driveline, modified suspension, expanded internal cab volume, and updated electronic architecture.
The platform relies on modular armor packs to adjust protection levels based on mission profiles. Mine blast protection incorporates a V-hull underbody, a collapsible sandwich structure in the floor, suspended aeronautical seats, and increased ground clearance while maintaining a low overall height. To reduce the vehicle's thermal signature, the turbocharger is mounted underneath the engine and the exhaust is routed through the C-pillars. Off-road mobility is supported by run-flat systems and all-terrain tires. The vehicle is produced in standard and extended wheelbases, as well as a two-door variant. Firepower options vary by operator; British Panther variants were fitted with an Enforcer remote weapon station capable of mounting a 7.62 mm general-purpose machine gun, a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, or a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher.
The LMV has been widely adopted by international militaries, including the armed forces of Italy, the United Kingdom, Russia, Spain, Belgium, Norway, Brazil, Austria, Albania, Croatia, and the Czech Republic. Italian Lince vehicles saw operational use in Lebanon under UNIFIL and in Afghanistan during ISAF operations, where their blast-deflection design protected personnel during improvised explosive device attacks. The British Army deployed upgraded Panther Protected Command Vehicles to Afghanistan in 2009 under Operation Herrick, featuring theater-specific electronic countermeasures, reinforced armor, and expanded radio systems. Panthers have also been deployed on NATO exercises in Estonia. Multiple operators, including Belgium and Norway, have transferred LMV fleets to Ukraine for operational use.