the braking. Together, this allows the Dardo to achieve speeds in excess of 70 km/h, maneuver on gradients of more than 60% and ford waters up to a depth of 1.5 m. Future variants The Dardo IFVs currently in service with the Italian Army are fitted with the "Hitfist" IFV turret. The chassis is intended to be the basic model of a family of vehicles, which may include a 120 mm mortar carrier, command (C3I) vehicle, ambulance and light tank with a 105mm gun turret. Combat history Dardo IFVs were deployed with the Italian Army as part of the Italian contribution to Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004. 10 were also deployed in Afghanistan to reinforce the Italian Battlegroups there. Also, some are in use with the Italian UNIFIL contingent. Operators – 200 vehicles 1st Bersaglieri Regiment, Garibaldi Bersaglieri Brigade 8th Bersaglieri Regiment, Garibaldi Bersaglieri Brigade 11th Bersaglieri Regiment, Ariete Armored Brigade See also ASCOD Bionix BMP-3 CV-90 K21 M2 Bradley Puma (IFV) Mitsubishi Type 89 IFV Tulpar (IFV) Abhay IFV Makran IFV External links Official Website Globalsecurity.org Armoured fighting vehicles of Italy Tracked infantry fighting vehicles Iveco vehicles OTO Melara Military vehicles introduced in the 1990s