Ukrainian Paratroopers Have Begun Fighting In Italian Puma Combat Vehicles

• 6.08.2026, 12:08

Armored personnel carriers have been equipped with additional protection against Russian drones.

The 68th Separate Airmobile Brigade named after Oleksa Dovbush has been equipped with Italian Puma armored personnel carriers, which were approved for service in the Ukrainian Armed Forces several years ago. This is reported in a story by ArmiyaInform.

According to ArmiyaInform, the 68th Brigade is now equipped with 4x4 Puma armored personnel carriers (there is also a 6x6 version—Ed.).

These combat vehicles have also been fitted with so-called “mangals,” which provide protection against Russian drones. When servicing the armored personnel carrier, there is no need to remove the protective grille, as it is installed in accordance with the vehicle’s design features.

Soldiers say that the Puma is easy to operate and performs its tasks well. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense adopted the Italian Puma armored personnel carriers in the summer of 2024. It is known that the Ukrainian Army has both 4x4 and 6x6 variants.

The Italian Army has been using these combat vehicles since 2001. It is a light armored personnel carrier designed for reconnaissance and the rapid transport of personnel. It has a capacity of 4 or 7 people. The crew consists of one person. It is armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun. The Puma is equipped with a 180 l. s. Iveco four-cylinder diesel engine, which is paired with an automatic transmission.