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Italy May Be Sending Ukraine a Forgotten Anti-Aircraft Gun Built Perfectly for Shahed Hunting
Ukraine may soon receive an unexpected new tool to counter Russia’s relentless Shahed drone attacks, as reports suggest Italy is preparing to transfer SIDAM-25 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns—a Cold War–era system that could find new relevance on today’s drone-dominated battlefield.
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Ukraine could soon receive Italian-made SIDAM-25 self-propelled anti-aircraft systems designed to counter Russian Shahed-type drones, marking a potential shift from earlier deliveries that repurposed the vehicles only as armored personnel carriers, Defense Express noted on February 27.
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Italy may be preparing to supply several batteries of the Cold War–era air defense platforms as part of a new military aid package. While the exact number remains unclear, reports suggest enough systems could be delivered to equip up to three air defense batteries.
The information was first reported by defense observer A-129 Mangustaon X, citing sources familiar with Italian military assistance. The analyst has previously revealed details about Italian arms transfers to Ukraine, including early reports on the potential delivery of Centauro B1 wheeled tank destroyers.
Small (but rare) clip of the Italian SIDAM-25 in action, back when it was still in service. Most of these platforms were sold to a private company in Belgium. Some ended up being converted into APC’s and are now in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/KhVkycxiIV
— A-129 Mangusta (@NichoConcu) January 29, 2025
A familiar system—but in a new role
The SIDAM-25 is not entirely new to Ukraine. Italy previously transferred vehicles based on the same platform, but those units arrived stripped of their air defense equipment and were converted into standard M113 armored personnel carriers.
This time, however, reporting suggests the transfer could involve fully configured anti-aircraft systems rather than just chassis—though confirmation remains elusive. Italy traditionally keeps details of its military aid packages classified, leaving room for uncertainty until equipment appears in service.
If delivered in operational form, the systems would represent a specialized addition to Ukraine’s growing layered defense against Russian drones.
SIDAM-25 prototype and OTOMATIC footage from when they were showcased at the Farnborough Air Show in 1988. pic.twitter.com/7Mq2U0RPWO
— A-129 Mangusta (@NichoConcu) November 25, 2023
Designed for low-altitude threats
The SIDAM-25 is built on the M113 tracked chassis and mounts a turret armed with four 25mm Oerlikon KBA autocannons. Each gun carries 150 rounds, allowing the system to deliver dense bursts of fire against low-flying aerial targets.
Unlike many modern air defense vehicles, the SIDAM-25 lacks its own radar. Instead, targeting relies on optical and electro-optical systems supported by a laser rangefinder—a limitation that reduces autonomous detection capability but can still prove effective against slow, low-altitude threats such as loitering munitions.
That profile closely matches Russia’s Iranian-designed Shahed drones, which Ukraine faces nightly in large numbers.
Limited numbers—and aging hardware
A total of 275 SIDAM-25 systems were produced starting in 1987, though the platform had a relatively short operational career. Italy later sold 207 units to Belgium, where they reportedly never entered active military service and were likely transferred to private storage.
Based on available data, Italy may have retained roughly 68 systems that could theoretically be made available for transfer. However, some of these vehicles have already been supplied to Ukraine in APC configuration, reducing the remaining pool.
Additional units could potentially be reacquired from private companies if refurbishment proves viable.
Restoration challenges remain
One of the key uncertainties surrounding any transfer is the condition of the systems after years in storage. Long-term inactivity raises concerns about the functionality of targeting equipment and other sensitive components, particularly given the potential scarcity of spare parts.
Still, Defense Express notes that even partially modernized SIDAM-25 systems could provide useful point-defense capabilities against drones—an area where relatively inexpensive gun-based air defenses are increasingly valuable.
If Ukraine ultimately receives the platforms in full air defense configuration rather than as converted armored carriers, they could become an additional tool in countering Russia’s expanding drone campaign.
Earlier, the first Skyranger 35 self-propelled air defense system mounted on a Leopard 1 tank chassis arrived in Ukraine. Each Skyranger 35 system can secure a 4-by-4-kilometer area, creating what the manufacturer describes as a fully “drone-free” zone.
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-91fb9586e5f33e0cdb666f601481986c.jpg "Russian Pantsir-S1 air defense system mounter on heavy Belarusian-made MZKT-7930 chassis moments before being hit by Ukrainian drones, February 27, 2026. (Source: Exilenova_plus)")
-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
-c439b7bd9030ecf9d5a4287dc361ba31.jpg "Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko")