What Is the Hitfist? Leonardo’s Armoured-Vehicle Weapon Turret System
The Hitfist is Leonardo’s 25-30 mm armed turret system for armoured fighting vehicles, developed under the OTO Melara brand. Giving infantry fighting vehicles their firepower, it is used on platforms led by the Italian Freccia — forming the “fist” of the whole vehicle, not just a single soldier, on the modern battlefield.
Product Identity
| Manufacturer | Leonardo (OTO Melara) |
| Type | Armoured-vehicle weapon turret |
| Origin | Italy |
| Main weapon | 25 mm / 30 mm autocannon |
| Versions | Hitfist-25, Hitfist-30, Hitfist OWS |
| Production | Active |
What the Hitfist Is
The Hitfist is a rotating weapon turret mounted on an infantry fighting vehicle that provides the vehicle’s main firepower. Alongside classic versions with a gunner inside, there are “overhead weapon station” (OWS) versions that keep the crew within the armour and carry the weapon outside. An advanced fire-control system, thermal cameras and stabilisation enable accurate fire even on the move.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Main weapon | 25 mm or 30 mm autocannon |
| Secondary weapon | Coaxial machine gun |
| Additional weapon | Anti-tank missile integration (optional) |
| Fire control | Thermal/day camera + stabilisation |
| Configuration | Crewed or OWS (remote) |
Mission Profiles
The Hitfist performs infantry support, engagement of light armoured targets, limited defence against low-altitude air targets and reconnaissance. With the optional anti-tank missile integration, it can make a light fighting vehicle effective even against heavy armoured threats.
Leonardo’s Role
The Hitfist is a product of Leonardo’s land-systems expertise inherited from OTO Melara. As the Iveco Defence acquisition completed in March 2026 strengthened Leonardo’s armoured-vehicle arm (Land Defence), turret systems like the Hitfist moved to a more central position in the group’s land-combat portfolio.
Fielding
| Platform / Country | Status |
|---|---|
| Italian Freccia (VBM) | Active |
| Italian Dardo | Active |
| Export armoured-vehicle platforms | Active |
Competing Systems
| System | Maker | Country | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEFER / MİZRAK turrets | Aselsan | Turkey | Turkish indigenous equivalents |
| Samson | Rafael | Israel | Widespread remote turret |
| Lance / RCT30 | Rheinmetall | Germany | German medium-calibre turret rival |
Turkey Relationship
Turkey has a strong indigenous ecosystem in armoured-vehicle turret systems. Aselsan’s NEFER, MİZRAK and similar remote/crewed turret families meet Turkish armoured vehicles’ needs domestically and also compete on export. The Hitfist is therefore seen in Turkey less as a direct procurement option and more as a rival meeting Turkish turret systems in export markets.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths: a mature design, flexible weapon/sensor configuration, reference use in the Italian Army and a land portfolio strengthened by Iveco Defence. Weaknesses: intense competition from strong rivals like Aselsan, Rafael and Rheinmetall, and a relatively narrow user base.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Hitfist used?
On infantry fighting vehicles led by the Italian Freccia and Dardo, and on various export platforms.
What weapons does the Hitfist carry?
A 25 mm or 30 mm autocannon, a coaxial machine gun and optional anti-tank missile integration.
Is there a Turkish equivalent to the Hitfist?
Yes; Aselsan’s turret families such as NEFER and MİZRAK cover the Hitfist’s missions domestically in Turkey.
Sources
Leonardo (OTO Melara) official product pages; Army Recognition, Janes (2024-2026).
