Category
Latest news

Italian Puma 6×6 Armored Vehicles Spotted in Ukraine: What We Know So Far

2 min read
Authors
Photo of Liubava Petriv
Liubava Petriv
Author
Italian Puma 6×6 Armored Vehicles Spotted in Ukraine: What We Know So Far
A photo t of Italian-made Puma 6×6 armored personnel carrier in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. (Source: Tysk via Telegram)

On April 16, a photo was released online showing the Italian-made Puma 6×6 armored personnel carrier (APC) in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The images, shared by the National Information Portal “Tysk,” provide a clearer view of the Puma 6×6 in operational settings.

Media reported that at least three instances of Puma 6×6 APCs being destroyed have been documented: one near Siversk in the Donetsk region, and two near Bilohorivka in the Luhansk region.

The destroyed Puma 6×6 in the Siversk area of Donetsk region (1st photo) and near Bilohorivka in Luhansk region (2nd and 3rd photos). Source: (Telegram channel War in Ukraine. Equipment Losses)
The destroyed Puma 6×6 in the Siversk area of Donetsk region (1st photo) and near Bilohorivka in Luhansk region (2nd and 3rd photos). Source: (Telegram channel War in Ukraine. Equipment Losses)

While no country has officially confirmed the delivery of Puma 6×6 APCs to Ukraine, Italy is considered the most likely source, as it is the primary user of this vehicle variant. Other countries operating Puma vehicles, such as Pakistan, Libya, and Djibouti, use the 4×4 version.

In June 2024, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense approved the Puma 6×6 for use within its military, signaling its readiness for deployment.

The Puma 6×6 was developed by the Italian consortium Iveco-Oto Melara in the early 2000s. Weighing around 8.2 tons (approximately 18,080 pounds), it is operated by a crew of two: a driver and a gunner. The vehicle can carry up to four additional troops in its rear compartment. It is powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine generating 180 horsepower and is capable of a variety of roles, including reconnaissance, transport, and combat support.

Italian Puma armored personnel carrier with a 6×6 wheel configuration. (Source: Wikipedia)
Italian Puma armored personnel carrier with a 6×6 wheel configuration. (Source: Wikipedia)

Several specialized variants of the Puma have been created, including command and reconnaissance vehicles, models with anti-tank or air-defense systems, mortar carriers, medical evacuation vehicles, and those with NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection capabilities.

Some earlier images of these vehicles were believed to have been taken during training exercises in Italy. The newly released photos, however, show the Puma 6×6 in a combat environment for the first time.

Previously, it was reported that the Italian government has transferred the first installment of 25 million euros (approximately $28.3 million) to support the rebuilding of Ukraine’s war-damaged energy infrastructure.

See all