The Italian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has published a contract notice to industry for solutions for the procurement of a new reconnaissance vehicle for the Italian Army, with the acquisition potentially reaching hundreds of vehicles.
Indicated in a 19 May 2025 notice, the Italian MoD said up to 600 new reconnaissance vehicles were to be acquired, with the initial deal worth €140m ($157.8m), although this could rise to over €300m with the inclusion of options and other supplies related to the deal.
At the conservative estimate, each of the Italian Army’s new reconnaissance platforms would cost around €212,000 per unit, with industry required to provide a deposit of 2% of the value of the contract.
Selected industry proposals will be taken through to phase two of the programme, for further consideration. No specific timelines for the introduction of a new reconnaissance platforms into service were stated.
The Italian Army currently operates the four-person VBL Puma 4×4 in the armoured reconnaissance role, with 180 units delivered from 2003 onwards by Iveco Oto Melara. Italy also operates 380 of the 6×6 Puma as armoured personnel carriers, able to embark up to six soldiers, plus the driver.
However; the procurement of hundreds of new reconnaissance platforms indicates a potential replacement for the Puma 4×4 and 6×6 could be on the cards.
At the time of publishing, the Italian MoD had not responded to requests for comment by Army Technology regarding a timeframe for delivery of the new reconnaissance vehicle.
Reports in April, including from Ukrainian outlet United 24, stated that an unknown number of Italian Puma 4×4 and 6×6 vehicles had been donated to Ukraine.
When contacted, the Ukrainian armed forces communications secretariat declined to comment as to whether Italian Puma 4×4 and 6×6 reconnaissance vehicles were in service with Ukraine.
In January, the Italian government confirmed the provision of its latest military assistance package to Ukraine, although exact platforms and capabilities were not disclosed.
Italy’s declining defence spending
According to GlobalData’s 2024 report on the Italy’s defence forecast, the country was expected to see a slight decline in military spending from 2025-2029, making it an outlier among major Western European nations.
From 2025-29, a steady decrease in expenditure from $29.2bn to $27.8bn was anticipated, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.3%.
Despite these constraints, Italy maintains a capable military, with significant air, naval, and international commitments shaping its future defence planning.
