The US State Department has cleared a potential $30.6 million Foreign Military Sale to Italy involving Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs), aimed at strengthening the country’s expeditionary and amphibious warfare capabilities.
The proposed package includes three AAVC-7A1 command vehicles and four AAVR-7A1 recovery variants, along with radar-scattering camouflage net systems, engineering support equipment, technical documentation, training materials, and logistics assistance.
According to US officials, the acquisition will enhance Italy’s ability to conduct amphibious and expeditionary operations while supporting NATO missions and collective defence objectives across Europe. The sale is also expected to contribute to regional security, political stability, and economic resilience among alliance members.
Washington noted that the vehicles will be supplied from existing US Marine Corps inventories and emphasized that the transfer will not adversely affect US military readiness.
Originally developed by BAE Systems during the 1970s, the Assault Amphibious Vehicle served for decades as a key platform for transporting troops from ship to shore before its retirement from US service in 2025. The tracked amphibious vehicle is available in multiple variants, each operated by a three-person crew and capable of carrying more than 20 embarked troops.
The platform can be armed with a 40mm automatic grenade launcher and a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, providing organic fire support during amphibious assaults. Measuring approximately 8 metres in length, the vehicle is protected by aluminium armour up to 45mm thick and powered by either a 400-horsepower Detroit Diesel engine or a 525-horsepower Cummins powerplant.
The AAV can achieve speeds of up to 72 km/h on land and around 13 km/h in water. It offers an operational range of approximately 480 kilometres over varied terrain and can travel up to 20 nautical miles at sea in sea-state five conditions, making it a versatile platform for expeditionary missions.
