Italian military reserves eyed by Ukraine for frontline boost

Ukraine is interested in adopting military equipment withdrawn from service from the Italian Ministry of Defence warehouses, according to the Military service. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga and his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani were said to discuss this issue. The warehouses are reported to contain, among others, Leopard 1 tanks, M109L self-propelled artillery, M113 and VSS-1 armoured personnel carriers, and support vehicles. This is equipment that Ukraine constantly needs.

As the Ukrainian Military Service reminds us, in Italy, near the city of Vercelli, located between Milan and Turin, one of the largest storage sites for decommissioned military equipment in Europe is located. In 2015, it was said to have contained over 3,000 pieces of various equipment. This number may have increased since then. The Italians keep, among others, Leopard 1 tanks, M109L self-propelled artillery, M113 armoured personnel carriers, and VSS-1, as well as support vehicles in the warehouse.

Some well-preserved equipment, after modernization, could serve Ukrainians on the front line, and some could be used as a source of spare parts. The primary armament of the Leopard 1 is the British 105 mm L7A3 rifled gun. Additionally, it is equipped with two 7.62 mm MG3 machine guns.

Among the Italian equipment in the warehouses are Leopard 1 tanks. These are German main battle tanks that were introduced into service in the 1960s. Recognized as one of the best tanks "of their time," Leopard 1s were used by many NATO countries. They are known for their high mobility, good firepower, and accuracy. The primary armament of the Leopard 1 is the British 105 mm L7A3 rifled gun. Additionally, it is equipped with two 7.62 mm MG3 machine guns.

Ukrainians could also receive M109L howitzers. This is a modified version of the American self-propelled gun M109, produced under licence in Italy. It features a 153 mm barrel that increases the range and accuracy of the artillery. The howitzer can engage targets up to 29 kilometres away, and its mobility allows it to leave its position and avoid counterattacks quickly. Ukrainians use these systems to destroy tanks, enemy artillery, and ammunition depots.

Italian warehouses also contain M113 armoured personnel carriers. These are among the longest-used vehicles of this type in the world. Although designed in the 1950s, they are still used on several fronts today, including in Ukraine. The M113s owe their high mobility to their tracked chassis, which allows them to perform excellently in difficult terrain. They are used not only as infantry carriers but also as mortar carriers or mobile hospitals. Ukrainian soldiers appreciate their ease of repair, comparing them to combine harvesters in terms of structural simplicity.

Leopard 1 tanks, M109L howitzers, and M113 armoured personnel carriers, although classic designs, prove their value on the modern battlefield. Through regular modernization and adaptation to specific combat conditions, these vehicles continue to play a key role in military operations, and Ukrainians could benefit from their supply.