Italy's SIDAM 25 anti-aircraft system won't aid Ukraine
Artillery anti-aircraft systems are proving their usefulness during the war in Ukraine. Italy has also developed such a weapon—the SIDAM 25 anti-aircraft system. However, despite the hopes of the Ukrainians, none will be provided to them as military aid, as all of the units have been converted into armored personnel carriers.
The war in Ukraine has sparked a renewed interest in artillery anti-aircraft systems. These relatively simple weapons, sometimes several decades old, are proving to be highly effective for eliminating drones, which are being used extensively by both sides of the conflict. Destroying them with small-caliber, rapid-fire guns is not only effective but, most importantly, cost-efficient.
The Ukrainian army utilizes, among other systems, the German Gepard, Polish ZU-23-2CP, and Czech MR-2 Viktor (with 14.5 mm) systems, as well as modern Skynex systems. However, Italian SIDAM 25 systems will not be included in the weapons supplied to Ukraine, as confirmed by the Ukrainian service Defence Express.
Italian SIDAM-25 anti-aircraft system
The SIDAM 25 systems were developed in Italy in the second half of the 1980s. They were constructed using the hull of the M113 armored personnel carrier, on which a substantial OTO Breda turret was mounted, with four Oerlikon KBA 25 mm guns positioned on the sides.
The system wasn't equipped with radar; the detection and targeting of threats were managed by an electro-optical fire control system supported by a laser rangefinder. The SIDAM 25 turret was characterized by a very high gun elevation angle—up to 87 degrees.
Besides fragmentation-explosive ammunition intended for aerial targets, the vehicle housed 40 APDS rounds, which could be used against armored vehicles. The SIDAM 25 offered a theoretical rate of fire of 2,400 rounds per minute (4 × 600) and allowed engagement of targets at a range and altitude of up to 1.6 miles.
SIDAM 25 not for Ukraine
According to the Ukrainian service Defence Express, about 300 units of SIDAM 25 were produced in Italy. Although they were gradually withdrawn, the Italian army still had 64 systems available as of 2010.
Despite initial hopes fueled by the Italian press for providing this weapon to Ukraine, it turned out to be impossible. The SIDAM 25 systems had been withdrawn and converted into standard M113 transporters.
