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Dozens of APCs Decommissioned in 2021 Now Headed to Ukraine From This Country. Here’s What We Know
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![Ivan_khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Italy is preparing a new military aid package for Ukraine that will include up to 400 tracked armored personnel carriers, according to Il Messaggero and Defense Express. The vehicles in question are VCC-2 Camilino units, an Italian modification of the American M113A1.
The VCC-2, once used by the Italian Army, features additional side armor and an open-top turret. Though the model has been retired from active service, Italy is now transferring the remaining units from its storage inventory to support Ukraine’s defense.
Italy may have upgraded as many as 1,200 M113 units to the VCC-2 configuration. However, around 722 of those were reportedly scrapped in 2022, leaving an estimated 478 vehicles in storage. The current transfer suggests Italy is providing nearly all of its remaining VCC-2 Camilino stock.
The vehicles are not expected to be fully operational. As Defense Express notes, a portion of the shipment may be used for spare parts or require extensive refurbishment before deployment. Nonetheless, Ukrainian forces already have experience operating the VCC-2, which appeared in use by the National Police in 2024.
In addition to the armored vehicles, Italy also plans to supply Ukraine with a satellite surveillance system aimed at enhancing operational planning. Details of this component have not been disclosed.
Ukrainian forces currently operate a wide range of M113 variants provided by multiple international partners.
Earlier, Ukraine formally expressed interest in acquiring decommissioned Italian military equipment, including over 1,200 M113 armored personnel carriers, during talks between Foreign Ministers Andrii Sybiha and Antonio Tajani. Italy is believed to store thousands of retired vehicles, including Leopard 1 tanks and M109 howitzers.
