Italy's SIDAM 25 anti-aircraft artillery won't aid Ukraine
Artillery anti-aircraft systems are proving their usefulness in the war in Ukraine. Italy has also developed such a weapon—the SIDAM 25 anti-aircraft system. However, despite the hopes of the Ukrainians, none will be provided to them as military aid, as all of the units have been converted into armoured personnel carriers.
The war in Ukraine has seen a resurgence of artillery anti-aircraft systems. These relatively simple weapons, sometimes several decades old, are proving to be highly effective in eliminating drones that are being used en masse by both sides of the conflict. Destroying them with small-calibre, rapid-fire guns is not only effective but also, importantly, cost-efficient.
The Ukrainian army uses various systems, including German Gepard systems, Polish ZU-23-2CP systems, Czech MR-2 Victor (with 14.5 mm) systems, and modern Skynex systems. However, as the Ukrainian service Defence Express highlighted, Italian SIDAM 25 systems will not be among the weapons supplied to Ukraine.
Italian SIDAM 25 anti-aircraft system
The SIDAM 25 systems were developed in Italy in the latter half of the 1980s. They were built using the hull of the M113 armoured personnel carrier, with a large OTO Breda turret mounted on top, featuring four Oerlikon KBA 25 mm guns on the sides.
The system wasn't equipped with radar; instead, detection and targeting of threats were managed by an electro-optical fire control system supported by a laser rangefinder. The SIDAM 25 turret was notable for its very high gun elevation angle—up to 87 degrees.
In addition to fragmentation-explosive ammunition intended for aerial targets, the vehicle housed 40 APDS rounds, which could be used against armoured vehicles. The SIDAM 25 offered a theoretical rate of fire of 2,400 rounds per minute (4 × 600) and allowed targets to be engaged at a range and altitude of up to 2.6 kilometres (1.6 miles).
SIDAM 25 not for Ukraine
As noted by the Ukrainian service Defence Express, about 300 units of the SIDAM 25 were produced in Italy. Although they have been gradually withdrawn, the Italian army still had 64 systems available as of 2010.
The Italian press raised hopes that this weapon might be provided to Ukraine, but it became clear that this was not possible—the SIDAM 25 systems have been withdrawn and converted to standard M113 transporters.
