The International Defence and Security Conference “BATTLEFIELD ReDEFiNED 2024,” held recently in Nicosia, served as a key reference point for developments within the Cypriot defence industry and beyond. It brought together major stakeholders from Cyprus and abroad who are active in the defence sector.

Among the distinguished participants, CTC Automotive Ltd stood out as the exclusive representative of Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV), showcasing cutting-edge solutions in the field of wheeled vehicles for Defence and Security applications.

Accompanied by the central message “Protection Never Breaks Up,” IDV’s participation reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to survivability, mobility, and technological superiority on the modern battlefield.

The company’s presentation traced its rich legacy of innovation, spanning more than 85 years—from the Lancia 3Ro in 1937 through decades of vehicle development—to today’s advanced platforms such as the Centauro II and a range of next-generation autonomous systems.

Headquartered in Bolzano, Italy, IDV operates through six research and development centres and five production facilities worldwide. Its global footprint extends across Europe, the Americas, and other strategic regions, with commercial offices in cities including Madrid, Brussels, Ulm, Paris, Vittorio Veneto, York, Sete Lagoas, Bucharest, Nuneaton, and Turin. Bolzano remains the centre of excellence for armoured vehicles, while Piacenza specialises in tactical and special-purpose trucks.

The presentation placed particular emphasis on IDV’s vertically integrated engineering capabilities and its full alignment with NATO testing and certification standards.

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Core technological capabilities presented by IDV included systems integration, protection against blast and ballistic threats, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and high-mobility solutions tailored for operational flexibility. 

The company also showcased a wide range of in-house developed propulsion systems, from the 1103 kW powerpack used in the Ariete Main Battle Tank (Vector) to the 162 kW system featured in the LMV F1C light tactical vehicle—demonstrating its ability to deliver bespoke engine solutions across a wide spectrum of platforms.

Special focus was given to recent advancements in modular passive armour, survivability simulation, and rigorous electromagnetic compatibility testing and validation across the vehicle lifecycle.

Looking ahead, IDV presented its strategic vision centred on hybrid-electric propulsion, energy management, cybersecurity, and the digital transformation of military vehicles. Key innovations also included the integration of manned and unmanned systems, swarm robotics, and active protection systems—components considered essential for shaping modern, resilient force structures.

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A comprehensive range of IDV’s platforms was exhibited, encompassing armoured wheeled and tracked vehicles, amphibious units, multi-role and logistics support vehicles, and unmanned ground systems.

The LMV-2 4×4 vehicle family—already in operational service across multiple countries—was featured as a modular, cost-effective solution adaptable to a variety of missions including command and control, patrol, ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance), casualty evacuation, and combat roles.

Attention was also drawn to the MUV 4×4 platform, equipped with capabilities such as infrared (IR) lighting, STIS (Surveillance, Target Identification System), run-flat tyres, blackout lighting modes, and optional integration of C2/wireless communication systems.

The President of the Republic visited the exhibition’s outdoor area, where he was briefed on IVECO’s range of 4×4 vehicles.

IDV’s medium tactical vehicles (MTV) and EUROCARGO support trucks were noted for their robustness and operational versatility. Meanwhile, the VIKING UGV—an unmanned ground vehicle featuring a diesel-hybrid propulsion system and six-wheel drive—highlighted the company’s leadership in autonomous mobility solutions.

IDV’s participation in the conference was made possible through its official representative in Cyprus, CTC Automotive Ltd, under the responsibility of Mr Dimitris Zagoulou.

Also read: HOUTRIS | Specialised Vehicles and Solutions for Defence and Security at BATTLEFIELD REDEFiNED 2024