Ukraine’s war effort continues to rely heavily on foreign military aid, with waves of armored vehicles flooding into the country, from main battle tanks to infantry fighting vehicles and personnel carriers.

These deliveries are typically made public, with politicians often eager to highlight their nation’s support for Kyiv.

But a recent development has broken that norm. Ukraine is now confirmed to be using Italian-made Puma 6×6 armored personnel carriers (APCs), though there’s no official record of how they got there.

Italian-built Puma surfaces in Ukraine’s 81st Infantry Division

Originally developed in the late 1980s and entering service in 2001, the Puma is a wheeled, light-armored vehicle produced by the Italian defense consortium Iveco-Oto Melara.

Designed for reconnaissance and fast-assault missions, it comes in both 4×4 and 6×6 configurations. The 6×6 variant, which has now surfaced in Ukraine, weighs 8.2 tonnes and accommodates a two-man crew plus six to eight infantry soldiers.

In April 2024, images of a destroyed Puma 6×6 bearing Ukrainian markings were posted online. Later, defenders from Ukraine’s 81st Infantry Division shared a photograph of the vehicle in active service.

Despite these sightings, no donor country has publicly acknowledged supplying the vehicles. Italy remains the most likely source, especially given its past donations of military equipment to Ukraine.

Still, no confirmation has come from Rome or Kyiv until July 2024, when the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense finally stated that the Puma APCs were officially being deployed.

Puma 6×6 specifications

While not a frontline game-changer, the Puma 6×6 brings tactical advantages. Powered by a 180-horsepower Iveco diesel engine, the vehicle can hit speeds up to 110 km/h with a range of 700 km.

Its mobility makes it ideal for Ukraine’s fast-moving, high-threat battlefield.

The vehicle includes ballistic protection against small arms fire and artillery shrapnel, an NBC protection system, and an automatic fire suppression system.

A light machine gun—either 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm—is mounted on the roof, and variants can support guided missile systems like MILAN or TOW.

Compared to heavier infantry fighting vehicles, the Puma offers a lighter, more agile option with greater logistical flexibility.

Likely Italian delivery

According to Army Recognition and open-source military aid tracking, the Puma 6×6 APCs arrived in Ukraine in May 2024.

Still, they weren’t mentioned in any known aid packages.

Italy has quietly contributed various other armored and support vehicles in the past, such as Bandvagn BV 206S tracked vehicles, VCC-2 APCs, and VTLM Lince tactical vehicles.

Deliveries have also included logistics platforms like Iveco trucks, heavy haulers, and adapted pickup trucks.

This pattern suggests a sustained yet understated stream of Italian support.

As one of the few countries operating the Puma 6×6, Italy remains the most plausible origin of these vehicles, even if no one is openly saying it.

Their arrival, though mysterious, adds another layer of mobility, survivability, and flexibility to Ukraine’s evolving battlefield toolkit.