Italy is set to bolster its amphibious warfare and expeditionary capabilities after receiving US approval for a potential $30.6 million acquisition of Assault Amphibious Vehicles under the Foreign Military Sales programme.
The proposed deal covers seven vehicles, including three AAVC-7A1 command-and-control variants and four AAVR-7A1 recovery vehicles. The package also includes camouflage netting designed to reduce radar detection, engineering equipment, technical publications, spare parts, and comprehensive logistics support.
The United States stated that the sale will enhance Italy’s ability to respond to security challenges in Europe while reinforcing its commitments as a NATO ally. The acquisition is intended to strengthen the operational effectiveness of Italian forces participating in amphibious, crisis-response, and coalition operations.
US authorities further confirmed that the vehicles will be sourced from surplus US Marine Corps inventories and that the transfer will have no impact on American defence preparedness.
The Assault Amphibious Vehicle, developed by BAE Systems and widely used by the US Marine Corps for decades, served as a critical ship-to-shore transport platform before being phased out in 2025. Designed for amphibious assaults, the vehicle combines troop transport, battlefield mobility, and fire support in a single platform.
Operated by a crew of three, the AAV can carry more than 20 combat-equipped personnel and is available in troop transport, command, and recovery configurations. Armament options include a 40mm automatic grenade launcher paired with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun for close-range battlefield support.
The vehicle features an armoured aluminium hull with protection levels reaching 45mm and is powered by either a Detroit Diesel or Cummins engine, depending on configuration. With a top speed of 72 km/h on land and 13 km/h in water, the AAV offers significant operational flexibility.
Its ability to travel approximately 480 kilometres over land and operate up to 20 nautical miles offshore in challenging sea conditions has made it a longstanding asset for amphibious forces worldwide, a capability Italy now seeks to further strengthen through this acquisition.
