Italy transfers 6 Carabinieri armored vehicles to the Somali police free of charge, with a total value of over 170 thousand euros. This is provided for in a draft decree from the Ministry of Defense, regarding which the Foreign Affairs and Defense committees of the Chamber and Senate expressed favorable opinions during the last session before the summer break, on Wednesday, July 29. The transfer, with a total value of just over 170 thousand euros, will not entail additional costs for the Defense budget.
Read more Dear flights, reported to the Antitrust: fares to and from Sicily under review
Ask the Sun
The questions are automatically suggested by 24Ore AI
based on the content viewed.
The VM-90P are obsolete vehicles characterized by high maintenance costs and limited usability. For these reasons, they have been declared “out of service” by the Carabinieri Logistics Inspectorate. These vehicles have been progressively replaced by the VTLM Lince light multi-role tactical vehicles, which have proven to be more efficient and safer.
Previous cases
This is not the first time Italy has made free transfers to the armed and security forces of Somalia. In 2025, a transfer of materials worth about 50,000 euros was made (riot control equipment; uniforms and gear; stationery and personal hygiene materials). A second transfer of materials, of similar value, is currently being authorized.
Read more Lebanon abolishes the death penalty
Free transfer of weapons
The free transfer of armament materials is legally based on the Military Code. The Ministry of Defense is authorized to transfer free of charge materials declared out of service to developing countries and countries participating in the Partnership for Peace (within NATO), under current cooperation agreements, or to civil protection volunteer organizations registered in the appropriate registers or to state administrations within programs for the socio-economic recovery of national territory areas affected by industrial crises. These types of transfers are allowed exclusively for defensive materials and subject to binding opinions from the competent parliamentary committees.
Why Somalia
Somalia is classified among developing countries (Least Developed Country) as established by the United Nations Committee for Development Policy. In September 2013, the Italian and Somali governments signed a General Cooperation Agreement on defense in Rome. This agreement, which came into force on July 25, 2016, has an unlimited duration and aims to increase cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries, strengthening their respective defense capabilities and improving mutual understanding on security issues. The Agreement specifically provides for the exchange of materials as a contribution to enhancing interoperability between their respective police forces.
Read more Salvini: we will ask banks for a 5% contribution on profits
