🇮🇹🇺🇦 (🧵) Ukraine recently released a video which talks about the Italian VBL Puma 4x4 and 6x6 platform in use with the 68th Airmobile Brigade. I’ll go over what was said about the platform in this thread. The Puma platform is primarily used for recon and troop transport.

Firstly as expected, Ukrainian engineers have modified the platform to better suit their needs on the battlefield. Cage style anti drone add-on armour is a must, storage for equipment, medical supplies and various different radios have been added to the Puma.

They praise the non slip coating of the Puma, allowing them to walk on the platform even when it’s wet. They point out that the Pumas already came with attachment points for add-on armour. They also claim that it’s really easy to start the vehicle up. Although lightly armoured ⬇️

they claim that it does a very good job at protecting against shrapnel and 7.62mm rounds. The tires are said to not be able to hold up compared to the rest of the platform. They also praise the Puma’s speed and manoeuvrability. Being able to turn almost on the spot is a plus.

They compared the Puma 4x4 with the American Humvee, they state the Puma has better off-road mobility and is overall more spacious.

For downsides they mention that at least in the 4x4 version it is cramped, although they understand it was designed for a crew of 4. During a combat mission, when the mud was particularly bad, the Puma did get stuck. They do claim that never had to leave it behind.

They wish the engine had more power, when going uphill for a prolonged period of time the platform would shift to lower gears which meant that at times it had to make a climb in second gear.

In conclusion, the platform does its job as best as it can. It’s not perfect by any means but for what it’s used for it’s not bad. Surprising how much praise it got, in Italian service there was a vocal minority which absolutely hated everything about the platform so it’s nice

to hear from another perspective, in much harsher battlefield conditions. Thanks for taking the time to read this post, make sure you watch the full video which I’ll be leaving a link to under this post.

The Italians always did make good cars! My first one was an Alfa Romeo, my current one is a FIAT!

Finalmente un impiego serio e non di facciata

It’s always funny that people complain about Humvees in those comparisions. The Humvee is just a logistical truck and weapon carrier, the Puma is designed from the start to be an AFV😏