The VCC family consist of a series of major modifications to the venerable US M113 APC which, like many other NATO countries, was widely adopted by the Italian Army (and produced under license by Oto Melara from the 1960s). The improvements to the basic M113 focus primarily on protection, though an extra layer of steel on the front and sides is added to the base all-welded aluminum hull. Additionally, the upper part of the rear hull (where the troop compartment is located) is sloped on the VCC-1 (but not the VCC-2) to provide additional ballistic protection. Two firing ports on each side are provided as well. Some vehicles are further improved through an Enhanced Appliqu[e Armor Kit (EAAK) similar to that fitted on the AAV7. Other additions include smoke grenade launchers, and shields for the M2 12.7-mm gun which is remote-controlled in some versions. VCC-1 and -2s have since replaced many of the older unmodified M113s in Italian Army service, and have been deployed in recent peacekeeping operations including Somalia and Bosnia. Many are still in service despite the introduction of more modern designs like the Puma.

Conversions of existing M113s began in the early 1980s and were known as the VCC-1 Camillino. Some were built as TOW ATGM platforms and exported to Saudi Arabia. The VCC-2 shares many of the same improvements as the VCC-1 but lacks the sloped armor on the rear sides. Other variants inlcude the VTC-9 anti-aircraft platform.