Italy 🇮🇹 May Be Sending Ukraine a Forgotten Anti-Aircraft Gun Built Perfectly for Shahed Hunting

02/28/2026

Ukraine could soon receive Italian-made SIDAM-25 self-propelled anti-aircraft systems designed to counter Russian Shahed-type drones, marking a potential shift from earlier deliveries that repurposed the vehicles only as armored personnel carriers, Defense Express noted on February 27.

Italy may be preparing to supply several batteries of the Cold War–era air defense platforms as part of a new military aid package. While the exact number remains unclear, reports suggest enough systems could be delivered to equip up to three air defense batteries.

The information was first reported by defense observer A-129 Mangustaon X, citing sources familiar with Italian military assistance. The analyst has previously revealed details about Italian arms transfers to Ukraine, including early reports on the potential delivery of Centauro B1 wheeled tank destroyers.

The SIDAM-25 is not entirely new to Ukraine. Italy previously transferred vehicles based on the same platform, but those units arrived stripped of their air defense equipment and were converted into standard M113 armored personnel carriers.

This time, however, reporting suggests the transfer could involve fully configured anti-aircraft systems rather than just chassis—though confirmation remains elusive. Italy traditionally keeps details of its military aid packages classified, leaving room for uncertainty until equipment appears in service.