Ukrainian Armed Forces Receive Italian Puma APCs.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has approved the deployment of Italian Puma armored personnel carriers (APCs) within its military forces. According to the ministry, these APCs have undergone the necessary codification process, allowing their acquisition using state budget funds.
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Italian Puma 6x6 Armored Personnel Carrier. (Picture source: Iveco)

Interestingly, no official announcement has been made by any country indicating that the aid packages to Ukraine included Puma wheeled armored vehicles. However, these vehicles are known to be in service with the armed forces of Italy, Pakistan, Libya, and Djibouti. It is believed that the delivery of Puma APCs to Ukraine was part of one of the classified defense aid packages from the Italian government.

Various versions of the Puma APC have been developed, including command and control vehicles, reconnaissance vehicles, vehicles equipped with anti-tank and anti-aircraft systems, 81 mm mortar carriers, medevac APCs, and CBRN monitoring vehicles.

The Puma 6x6 is an armored personnel carrier developed by the Italian consortium Iveco-Oto Melara. This vehicle is designed to provide optimal protection and mobility on the battlefield. It is equipped with a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun, providing effective fire support against light threats and medium-sized targets.

Used primarily by the Italian armed forces, the Puma 6x6 has a crew of a driver and six soldiers, making it a versatile vehicle for various missions. Among its accessories are an air conditioning system for crew comfort and a fire suppression system to ensure safety in case of an incident.

The armor of the Puma 6x6 offers protection against small arms fire and battlefield shrapnel, ensuring the safety of its occupants. Weighing 5,700 kg, this vehicle is relatively light for an armored vehicle in its class, giving it great agility.

Powered by a four-cylinder Iveco diesel engine with a capacity of 180 hp and equipped with an automatic transmission, the Puma APC is versatile in its operational capabilities in Ukraine. It can be used for reconnaissance, combat against armored vehicles (a version with an anti-tank missile is available), and troop transport. The Puma 6x6 can reach a maximum speed of 105 km/h, allowing for rapid movement across various terrains. Its range of 800 km makes it a durable vehicle, capable of covering long distances without frequent refueling. These characteristics make the Puma 6x6 a valuable asset for reconnaissance, troop transport, and support missions on the battlefield.

Earlier, Italy had sent a batch of M109L artillery systems to Ukraine without an official statement. In June, Italy also confirmed the transfer of an additional SAMP/T anti-aircraft missile system battery capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. It would therefore not be impossible for Puma vehicles to have been transferred to Ukraine later and discreetly. We now have to see them on the battlefield.