Italy is preparing to provide Somalia with six armored vehicles previously 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 a combined estimated value of more than €170,000 ($198,000). Under a draft decree issued by Italy’s Ministry of Defense, they will be handed over to Somalia free of charge.
Italy’s parliamentary Foreign Affairs and Defense committees in both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate approved the proposed transfer on July 29, shortly before Parliament adjourned for its summer recess.
According to the Italian Defense Ministry, the donation will not require additional funding from Italy’s defense budget.
The vehicles had already been removed from active service by the Carabinieri Logistics Inspectorate because of their age, rising maintenance requirements and declining operational usefulness.
The VM-90Ps have gradually been replaced by newer VTLM Lince tactical vehicles, allowing Italy to redirect the older armored platforms to partner countries where they can still provide useful security support.
The latest transfer is not Italy’s first contribution to Somalia’s security institutions.
In 2025, Rome supplied Somali security forces with approximately €50,000 worth of equipment, including crowd-control gear, uniforms, personal protective items, stationery and hygiene materials. Another shipment of equipment of roughly the same value is reportedly awaiting approval.
The transfer of the armored vehicles is being carried out under provisions of Italy’s Military Code that allow defense equipment no longer required by the Italian armed forces to be donated to developing countries and other eligible recipients, subject to specific conditions and parliamentary oversight.
Longstanding Defense Cooperation
The planned donation is part of a broader security partnership between Italy and Somalia that dates back more than a decade.
The two governments signed a General Cooperation Agreement on defense in Rome in September 2013, which entered into force in July 2016 and does not have a fixed expiration date.
The agreement provides a framework for cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces, including efforts to strengthen defense capabilities, improve security cooperation and facilitate the exchange of military equipment and expertise.
It also seeks to enhance interoperability between the two countries’ security institutions.
For Somalia, the transfer comes as the government continues efforts to strengthen its national security forces and reduce reliance on international military support.
Somali authorities have been working to expand the capabilities of the police and military as responsibility for security is gradually shifted toward national forces.
The six vehicles are therefore expected to provide additional mobility and protection for Somali police units, particularly in operations where armored transport is required.
Although the vehicles are older models and were retired by Italy, their transfer could still provide a practical boost to Somali security forces while supporting the broader defense relationship between Mogadishu and Rome.