Italian-supplied armored vehicles receive extra protection against drones and explosive munitions on the battlefield
Ukrainian paratroopers have modified the Centauro B1 wheeled armored vehicles, supplied by Italy, to better withstand the conditions of the Ukrainian battlefield. The upgrades were revealed in an official video released by the 78th Separate Air Assault Regiment to mark the Day of the Air Assault Forces.
+ Click here to watch the video
According to the footage, the vehicles have received several defensive enhancements, including spaced anti-drone metal screens and a foldable “barbecue”-style mesh system.
Although these additions do not provide full protection against cumulative munitions, they significantly reduce the impact of direct explosions, helping to prevent serious armor breaches.
In addition, the vehicles were fitted with “hedgehogs” made of loose cables designed to shift the detonation point of enemy FPV drones farther away from the hull, reducing the chances of armor penetration.
The Centauro B1’s turret has been covered with a flexible textile shield that does not interfere with the cannon or the hatches. According to the troops, this design offers the added benefit of preventing drones from detonating immediately upon contact with the mesh.
The modifications were carefully planned to cover all potential attack angles, further reinforcing the vehicle’s survivability. Nevertheless, the Centauro retains its original armor, capable of withstanding rounds up to 14.5 mm across its perimeter and sub-caliber 25 mm projectiles at the front.
The Centauro B1 was first seen in Ukrainian service in early November, when the 78th Regiment released the first images of the vehicle in operation. Although there has been no official confirmation of the delivery from Italy since 2023, the video represents the first visual evidence of its presence on the Ukrainian front line. The total number of transferred units remains unknown, as Rome traditionally does not disclose details of its defense shipments.
Weighing 24 tons and featuring compact dimensions, the Centauro B1 can be airlifted by military transport aircraft. It is armed with a 105 mm Oto Melara cannon—an Italian version of the renowned British L7 gun—compatible with NATO-standard ammunition, giving it an advantage over the French AMX-10 RC, whose weapon system does not use L7-standard shells.
+ Ukrainian Drones Destroy S-400 System and Ammunition Depot in Crimea
Source and images: Telegram @dshp78 | Militarnyi. This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
