Italy continues to quietly fulfill its commitments to supply armored vehicles to Ukraine. The latest evidence comes from new photographs showing the transport of the VCC-1 Camillino armored personnel carriers, which had been withdrawn from storage.
In May 2025, Rome pledged to deliver 400 M113 tracked APCs to Ukraine. These vehicles, long retired from Italian service but not yet scrapped, included both original American-built M113 systems and local variants. Among them is the VCC-1 system, an upgraded version of the M113A1 unit, which features sloped armor along the troop compartment and an open machine-gun turret. Until now, this variant had not been observed in service with Ukrainian forces.
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By contrast, the simpler VCC-2 system, distinguished by flat side armor, has already appeared in Ukraine. Units of the National Guard, such as the 13th Brigade, and police battalions in Donetsk region have operated these vehicles. The VCC-2 vehicles would make up the bulk of Italy's May assistance package, but the new images suggest that the more advanced VCC-1 systems are also included.
The photos reveal that the VCC-1 vehicles are in only fair condition after years of outdoor storage. However, for Ukraine's military, this still represents a valuable addition. Even if some vehicles cannot be fully restored, they can be stripped for spare parts, an important consideration given the scale of Ukraine's operational needs.
Ukraine's demand for armored vehicles remains enormous. While the domestic defense industry can produce wheeled platforms, they often face mobility issues in muddy terrain, especially during spring and autumn. Tracked vehicles like the VCC-1 unit provide far better off-road performance, making them indispensable on Ukraine's diverse front lines.
This is not the first time Italy has quietly delivered heavy equipment without much publicity. Previous aid packages included the M109L 155 mm self-propelled howitzers and Puma armored cars in both 6x6 and 4x4 configurations. The understated approach contrasts with other Western partners but still adds significantly to Ukraine's capabilities.
Despite their age, the M113 family and its derivatives have proven effective in Ukraine. Produced in massive numbers and used worldwide, the platform offers logistical simplicity: partner nations can transfer them at relatively low cost while ensuring Ukraine has access to a wide pool of spare parts and operational knowledge.
For Ukraine, each delivery helps close the gap between immediate battlefield requirements and the longer-term goal of modernizing its armored fleet. The arrival of the VCC-1 systems signals that Italy's May pledge is being implemented step by step, and that even older platforms remain valuable in the grinding war of attrition.
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