Unannounced Italian-made Puma carriers bolster Ukraine front
The Ukrainians have published photos of the Puma 6x6 armoured personnel carrier. These are very rare images confirming the use of such vehicles at the front. None of the countries supporting Ukraine ever announced their delivery.
In a brief message accompanying the photos, the Ukrainians highlighted the most important features of the Puma 6x6 armoured personnel carrier. They described it as an "armoured beast," and emphasised its armour, speed, and reliability as its greatest assets.
Puma 6x6 in Ukrainian service
"PUMA is an armoured beast fighting for victory. It's not an ordinary armoured personnel carrier – it's a true saviour for the soldiers of the 2nd Aeromobile Battalion of the 81st Airborne Brigade," the Ukrainians wrote.
The Puma 6×6 is a vehicle measuring over 5 metres in length and about 2 metres in width, weighing about 8,200 kilograms. Its crew consists of a driver and a gunner, in addition to which it can accommodate several more soldiers inside the rear compartment. However, the Ukrainians emphasise that the equipment also serves them for transporting provisions and equipment to places where "light machines cannot reach."
The propulsion of the Puma 6x6 armoured personnel carrier is provided by an engine with a power of 180 HP. The maximum speed of this vehicle is up to 100 km/h. Its armament is either a 7.62 mm or a 12.7 mm machine gun.
No one announced the transfer of such vehicles to Ukraine
The Puma 6x6 personnel carrier was first spotted at the front in April. At that time, the portal Militarnyj reported that none of the countries possessing this type of vehicle had announced their deliveries to Ukraine. The images shown now confirm that they are serving at the front and aiding the army fighting against Russia.
The most probable origin from which the Puma 6x6 vehicles reached the front is Italy – an ally of Ukraine that often does not publicly announce the contents of subsequent aid packages. Their production (from 2004 to 2021) was managed by the local company Iveco-Oto Melara.
