ST Engineering, ARIS, and Leonardo Join Forces to Offer Bronco 3 to Italian Army for Arctic Operations

As the Italian Army advances its Arctic capability to support NATO’s northern front, the need for a modern all-terrain vehicle has led to the consideration of ST Engineering’s Bronco 3 All-Terrain Tracked Carrier. Partnering with Turin-based ARIS and Italian defence giant Leonardo, ST Engineering aims to replace the ageing BV206 fleet, which has been in service since the 1980s.

The Bronco 3 was showcased during the high-profile “Volpe Bianca” military exercise in the Dolomites, where top political and military officials gathered for the Arctic Forum Dolomites 2025. The event saw various companies presenting cold-weather operational equipment, but the Bronco 3 stood out, marking its official introduction to the Italian market with the logos of all three partner companies.

Designed for extreme environments, the Bronco 3 weighs 10,000 kg and can carry an additional 6,000 kg of payload. In its personnel carrier configuration, it accommodates four passengers in the front cabin and eight in the rear. Powered by a 325 hp diesel engine, it reaches speeds of 65 km/h and can traverse steep slopes, deep snow, and water, making it fully amphibious at 16 tonnes. The vehicle’s armour can be customized for different threats, with add-on kits for protection against armour-piercing rounds, landmines, and rocket-propelled grenades.

The Bronco 3 displayed in Dobbiaco featured two Leonardo Hitrole Light remotely controlled weapon stations—one with a 12.7 mm machine gun and another with a 7.62 mm MG—enhancing its combat capability beyond traditional logistical roles. Additionally, the rear unit can be modified for various roles, including a flatbed cargo carrier or a mobile mortar system using ST Engineering’s 120 mm SRAMS.

If selected by the Italian Army, Leonardo would act as the prime contractor and system integrator, while ARIS would handle licensed production. Leonardo would also develop specialized variants such as command posts, mortar carriers, and casualty evacuation vehicles. The modular design enables quick adaptation between roles, with mission modules being easily swapped using outriggers instead of heavy cranes. The project is expected to involve around 25 Italian SMEs, supporting 2,800 jobs across the country.

While official procurement figures remain undisclosed, estimates suggest that the Italian Army’s requirement for Arctic-capable vehicles could be in the three-digit range. If approved, the Bronco 3 would significantly enhance Italy’s ability to operate in extreme environments, reinforcing NATO’s northern defence strategy.