Sunday, July 6, 2025
Mogadishu (Hornafrica News) — In a significant gesture of support, the government of Italy has donated 30 VBL Puma 4×4 armored vehicles to the Federal Government of Somalia, strengthening efforts to rebuild the Somali National Army.
The vehicles, previously in service with the Italian Defense Forces, were formally handed over following approval from Italy’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committees under government aid decision number 273.
According to Italian officials, the VBL Pumas—while reliable—are being phased out as Italy modernizes its military with more advanced systems like the Lince armored vehicles. The donation follows the military cooperation agreement signed between the two countries in 2013 and comes after the United Nations lifted the arms embargo on Somalia, acknowledging the country’s progress in the security sector.
“This donation reflects Italy’s enduring commitment to supporting Somalia’s stability and sovereignty,” said an Italian defense official. The agreement was finalized during a high-level meeting in Mogadishu between Italy’s Chief of Defense and Somalia’s Minister of Defense, accompanied by the Somali military chief.
Italy and Somalia share deep historical and cultural ties dating back to the colonial period, and the two nations have continued to foster strong relations in areas such as language, education, and security cooperation.
Italy remains one of the key contributors to the European Union Training Mission (EUTM) in Somalia, providing personnel and equipment to assist the Somali Armed Forces in building professional and capable defense institutions.
This latest donation underscores the growing international support for Somalia’s security sector reforms and its path toward lasting peace.
