Hundreds of M113s for Kyiv's army: Italy plans massive arms delivery to Ukraine

Italy has repeatedly faced accusations of neglecting its support for Ukraine. Now, 400 M113 armored personnel carriers are to be delivered to Kyiv's armed forces. Although the vehicle type was developed decades ago, improved versions still serve well today.

Ukraine is expecting a large military aid package from Italy. Citing information from Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, the newspaper "Il Messaggero" reports that the country will provide Ukraine with 400 M113 personnel carriers. Rome is also reportedly providing the Ukrainian army with a satellite surveillance system.

According to "Il Messaggero," the Ukrainians are relying on the M113 despite its age, as it is very good at traversing forests and rough terrain. This vehicle type was first used by the US Army during the Vietnam War and has been improved since then.

The Italian M113s are said to be the advanced VCC-2 Camilino. According to the military blog Defense Express, this vehicle features additional side armor. However, the portal doubts that all 400 M113s are operational. Some are also believed to be serving as spare parts donors.

Not the first delivery

Ukraine has been using M113 troop carriers for some time. The United States and other countries had transferred them to Kyiv from their own stocks. Fifty-four M113s from Denmark were converted in Germany and sent to Ukraine. The vehicle is equipped with a machine gun as standard.

The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) also has M113 troop transports in its ranks. Among other things, they are used in a modified version as an armored mortar capable of firing 120-millimeter ammunition.

The vehicles, developed in the USA in the early 1960s, became well known during the Vietnam War, when they had significantly weaker armor. The M113 armored personnel carrier is still used by the armed forces of many countries today.