Italy to send M113-type armoured vehicles and surveillance support to Ukraine

Italy is set to deliver a new package of military assistance to Ukraine, which is expected to include its domestically modernised version of the American M113 armoured personnel carrier — the VCC-2 Camilino.

Alongside the armoured vehicles, Italy may also provide Ukraine with a "satellite surveillance system" aimed at enhancing battlefield awareness and operational planning. Details on the satellite system remain undisclosed at this time, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

The VCC-2 Camilino is an Italian upgrade of the M113A1, featuring reinforced side armour and an open turret. Although Italy once modernised as many as 1,200 of these APCs, the vehicles have not been in active service for several years. The final ten units were officially decommissioned in 2021.

While up to 400 VCC-2 vehicles are reportedly being prepared for Ukraine, Defence Express notes that not all are likely to be in combat-ready condition. Some may be used for spare parts, while others could require significant repairs before deployment.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine already operate a large number of M113-type APCs in various configurations. Notably, the VCC-2 Camilino has previously been observed in service with Ukraine’s National Police, indicating some operational familiarity with the platform.

Open-source data suggests that Italy scrapped 722 decommissioned VCC-2s in 2022, earning approximately €3 million from the process. This indicates that around 478 units may still remain in storage, a number which closely aligns with the speculated aid volume.

Italy has consistently supported Ukraine since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion, including through a series of military aid packages. The 10th aid package was approved in December 2024, and Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov has confirmed that the next shipment from Italy is already en route.

Further aid deliveries require parliamentary approval, a step that Italy has repeatedly taken in solidarity with Ukraine.

For the record: The VCC-2 Camilino, despite being retired from the Italian Army, remains a relevant battlefield asset due to its armoured mobility and compatibility with Ukraine’s existing fleet. The addition of satellite-based surveillance capabilities may also mark a new phase in Italy’s military support, potentially enhancing Ukraine’s strategic operations beyond front-line equipment.

By Khagan Isayev