MOGADISHU — Italy is set to provide Somalia with six armored vehicles formerly operated by the Italian Carabinieri, as part of the longstanding defense and security cooperation between the two countries.
The vehicles, identified as VM-90Ps, have been declared surplus and taken out of operational service by the Carabinieri Logistics Inspectorate because of their age, rising maintenance costs and increasingly limited operational capabilities.
The VM-90P vehicles have gradually been replaced within the Italian security forces by newer VTLM Lince light multirole tactical vehicles, which offer more modern capabilities and improved operational performance.
Under the planned transfer, the six VM-90Ps, with a combined estimated value of more than €170,000 (approximately $198,000), will be donated to Somalia at no cost.
The transfer is outlined in a draft decree prepared by Italy’s Ministry of Defense and has received favorable opinions from the Foreign Affairs and Defense committees of both the Italian Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The committees approved the transfer on July 29, shortly before Italy’s parliamentary summer recess.
Italy’s Ministry of Defense has indicated that the donation will not result in additional costs for the Italian defense budget.
The transfer is being carried out under provisions of Italy’s Military Code, which allow military equipment that has been formally declared out of service to be transferred without charge to developing countries and other eligible recipients, subject to specific legal requirements.
Such transfers require authorization and parliamentary oversight, ensuring that the equipment is properly classified as surplus and that the donation complies with Italy’s legal framework governing international defense cooperation.
Continued Italian Support for Somali Security Forces
The planned donation is part of Italy’s broader assistance to Somalia’s security institutions.
In 2025, Italy transferred approximately €50,000 worth of equipment to Somali security forces. The assistance included riot-control equipment, uniforms, personal protective and operational equipment, stationery and hygiene supplies.
A second shipment of equipment of a similar value is reportedly awaiting authorization.
The latest donation of armored vehicles would provide Somali police units with additional protected mobility and could support security operations in challenging environments.
Longstanding Defense Cooperation
Italy and Somalia have maintained a longstanding defense relationship that dates back several years.
The two governments signed a General Cooperation Agreement on Defense in Rome in September 2013. The agreement entered into force in July 2016 and does not have a fixed expiration date.
The agreement provides a framework for strengthening cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries, improving defense capabilities and expanding collaboration on security-related matters.
It also allows for the exchange and transfer of equipment intended to improve interoperability between the two countries’ security forces.
Italy has historically maintained close relations with Somalia, including cooperation in military training, security assistance and institutional capacity building.
Supporting Somalia’s Security Transition
The latest donation comes as Somalia continues efforts to strengthen the capabilities of its national security institutions and assume greater responsibility for protecting the country.
Somali security forces have increasingly been tasked with taking the lead in national security operations as the country works toward strengthening its own institutional and operational capacity.
The transfer of the six VM-90Ps is therefore expected to contribute to Somalia’s efforts to improve the mobility, protection and operational capacity of its police and security forces.
While the vehicles are no longer considered suitable for Italy’s operational requirements, their transfer could provide Somalia with additional resources for security duties and other missions where protected mobility is required.
The donation also underscores Italy’s continued commitment to supporting Somalia’s security sector through equipment transfers, training and broader defense cooperation.
As Somalia continues to build stronger and more self-reliant security institutions, international partnerships such as the one with Italy remain an important component of the country’s efforts to enhance its national security capabilities.
