Italy to deliver SIDAM-25 air defense systems to Ukraine for short-range drone defense.

Italy will supply SIDAM-25 self-propelled air defense systems to Ukraine, with enough vehicles to equip at least three air defense batteries for low-altitude drone defense.

On February 27, 2026, Italy reportedly approved the delivery of SIDAM-25 self-propelled air defense systems to Ukraine, likely following the refurbishment of reserve units. The transfer includes enough vehicles to equip at least three short-range air defense batteries to reinforce low-altitude drone defense within Ukraine’s layered air defense network. The SIDAM-25 is based on the U.S. M113A1 APC, armed with four 25 mm Oerlikon guns and designed for short-range engagements up to 2.5 km.
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The SIDAM-25's armament consists of four 25 mm Oerlikon KBA cannons mounted in a 2x2 configuration within a fully rotating aluminum turret, producing a combined system rate of 2,280 to 2,400 rounds per minute. (Picture source: X/NicoConcu)

According to A-129 Mangusta, the exact number of units has not been disclosed by its source, but the transfer includes enough vehicles to equip at least three short-range air defense batteries. The same source had previously revealed the transfer of the B1 Centauro tank destroyer to Ukraine, further reinforcing its credibility. The SIDAM-25 is an Italian Cold War-era tracked air defense vehicle based on the M113A1 armored personnel carrier, integrating a quad 25 mm gun turret onto a modified hull. Its reappearance follows years in reserve after withdrawal from frontline Italian service, requiring refurbishment before reactivation. The system now joins other Italian-supplied air defense and ground combat equipment already delivered to Kyiv.

Development of the SIDAM-25 began in 1983 under OTO Melara, later OTOBREDA, with firing trials conducted between 1985 and 1987 before the Italian Army placed its order in June 1987. Initial deliveries were completed in July 1989, and by January 1, 1997, total production reached 276 systems. The original requirement of 340 vehicles was reduced to 280 following force restructuring after the Cold War. Manufacturing took place in La Spezia with subcontractors including ALENIA, Örlikon Italiana and Officine Galileo. The 1997 unit price reached $4.308 million. The name SIDAM-25 stands for Sistema Italiano Difesa Aerea Mobile, 25 millimeter, identifying its role and caliber.

The vehicle uses a modified M113A2 hull constructed from reinforced aluminum armor up to 38 mm thick, with a combat weight ranging from 12,500 kg to 14.5 tonnes depending on configuration. Overall length is 5.04 m, width 2.69 m, and hull height 1.83 m without the turret. Crew composition consists of three personnel, driver, commander and gunner, with some configurations including a loader or fire control operator. A side-mounted access door was integrated into the hull to improve crew entry and ammunition handling, while rear doors remain in place. Internal layout accommodates the turret basket and fire control components within the modified troop compartment. The system retains the tracked mobility characteristics of the M113 family.

Armament consists of four 25 mm Oerlikon KBA cannons mounted in a 2x2 configuration within a fully rotating aluminum turret weighing about three tonnes. Each gun fires 570 rounds per minute, producing a combined system rate of 2,400 rounds per minute, with some data listing 2,280 rounds per minute. The effective engagement range against aerial targets is between 2,000 m and 2,500 m, with a maximum firing distance reaching 5,000 m. Elevation extends from -5° to +87° and turret traverse is 360°. Ammunition stowage includes 600 to 630 high-explosive fragmentation rounds for air defense and 30 to 40 armor-piercing or APDS rounds for use against lightly armored ground targets. Firing modes include single shot, 15-round burst, 25-round burst and continuous fire, with burst firing preferred to conserve ammunition.

Target engagement relies on an optronic fire control suite integrating a stabilized optical sight, automatic electro-optic viewing for day and low-light conditions, and a laser rangefinder with a reach of up to 10,000 m. A digital ballistic computer calculates firing solutions, supported by an electronic tracking unit and an inertial attitude sensor. Identification friend or foe capability is integrated, and the vehicle can receive target designation from external radar units via a target alert display interface. The system lacks onboard radar, limiting engagement to visible targets and reducing effectiveness in poor weather. Stabilization allows firing while moving, but independent all-weather surveillance is not available at vehicle level. A mid-1990s study examined integrating Matra Mistral surface-to-air missiles in twin launcher packs mounted above the cannon banks, though this configuration was not adopted.

Propulsion is provided by a Detroit Diesel 6V-53 engine delivering 215 hp, with some configurations referencing the 6V-53T variant rated at 266 hp. Power is transmitted through an Allison TX-100-1 gearbox with three forward and one reverse gear. Maximum road speed reaches 68 km/h, with operational range between 480 km and 500 km. The torsion-bar suspension system uses five dual roadwheels per side, front drive sprockets and rear idlers, without track return rollers. The vehicle can climb a 60% gradient, negotiate a 30% side slope, cross a 1.7 m trench and surmount a 0.6 m vertical obstacle. Amphibious capability is referenced in several configurations, while heavier variants face limitations in swimming performance. Armor protection covers small arms fire and artillery splinters, with no dedicated CBRN suite specified.

Italy produced 275 to 276 SIDAM-25 vehicles, with 207 later sold to Belgium and the remainder retained domestically. At least 68 units remained potentially available in storage prior to refurbishment for transfer. Reactivation required mechanical work due to long-term reserve status. In Ukraine, some M113 vehicles previously supplied by Italy were decommissioned SIDAM-25 hulls delivered without turrets, while most turreted ex-SIDAM systems in Ukrainian service originated from Belgium. Four SIDAM-25 vehicles have reportedly been destroyed during operations in Ukraine, and in earlier cases, one or two captured vehicles were used as range targets by Russian forces.

The February 27, 2026 decision integrates the SIDAM-25 into a broader Italian aid to Ukraine that has included SkyGuard Aspide and Spada air defense batteries, 2 SAMP/T MAMBA batteries in cooperation with France, 2 M270A1 MLRS-Is, 6 PzH-2000, 100+ M109L, FH-70 towed artillery, 120 mm mortars, VCC-2 armored personnel carriers derived from M113A1, VTLM Lince vehicles, Storm Shadow cruise missiles, Skyguard II, Selenia PLUTO 2D and Arabel radars, small arms, ammunition deliveries, and €110 million in budgetary support plus €1 million in cyber security assistance.

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.