Italy boosts Ukraine's defense with armored vehicles and tech
Italians have prepared a new support package for Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian portal Defense Express. This package includes M113 armored personnel carriers, specifically the Italian version of this vehicle known as the VCC-2 Camilino.
The Italian portal Il Messaggero, cited by Defense Express, reports that the latest military support package for Ukraine includes not only the VCC-2 Camilino but also a "satellite surveillance system" designed to assist in planning Ukrainian operations. However, specific details about this equipment are not available. It is known, however, that the VCC-2s to be delivered to Ukraine are vehicles that Italy retired from its army four years ago.
According to publicly available data, the Italian army upgraded up to 1,200 carriers to the VCC-2 variant, but many were scrapped (more than 700 were sent for scrap in 2022). Kyiv is expected to receive 400 M113 units, which analysts suggest means that Italy has given away almost all the remaining vehicles in storage. It's worth noting that some of these may require repairs or could be used as sources of spare parts.
Satellite monitoring system
In addition to the personnel carriers, Italy will supply Ukraine with a satellite monitoring system intended to support the planning of military operations. Details about this system have not been disclosed, but its implementation is expected to enhance the effectiveness of the Ukrainian armed forces' activities.
Ukraine's experience with VCC-2 Camilino
The Ukrainian defense forces already have experience using the VCC-2 Camilino, which was introduced into service there in 2024. Currently, Ukraine has hundreds of M113 carriers of various modifications, which will facilitate the integration of new vehicles with existing equipment.
The Italian VCC-2 model boasts impressive dimensions, measuring over 16 feet in length, about 9 feet in width, and 7 feet in height. It weighs over 24,000 pounds, and its propulsion allows for a top speed of about 43 mph.
The primary armament of the VCC-2 is a heavy machine gun with a 12.7 mm caliber. Thanks to the placement of firing positions on the sides of the vehicle, its defensive capabilities surpass those of the standard M113 model.
This carrier is notable for its ability to move in water, which is one of its key advantages. Under these conditions, its tracks allow it to reach a speed of about 4 mph. The standard equipment of the vehicle includes a fire extinguishing system in the propulsion section and a contamination detector. However, when moving through contaminated terrain, the use of protective masks is necessary.
