Italy Supplies Ukraine With Beretta SC70/90 Assault Rifles

Italian Beretta SC70/90 assault rifles have been officially integrated into the arsenal of several Ukrainian military units.

Among them, the 33rd Assault Regiment has showcased the rifles in service.

These weapons were likely supplied as part of Italy’s 10th and 11th defense aid packages to Ukraine – with the 10th package approved in December last year and the 11th following in May this year.

Soldiers who trained with this rifle have noted both its advantages and drawbacks:

“It has too many small parts. You can’t disassemble it without pliers or a bullet. Aiming is also much more difficult compared to an AK. It’s heavier than an AK as well… Overall, it’s a decent weapon, I just don’t like it. The sights are poor and not as easy to operate as those on an AK. The folding stock is a big plus,” one soldier shared.

Beretta AS 70/90 was developed as part of a program to create a family of automatic weapons chambered in 5.56×45 mm for the Italian Army.

The rifle was adopted by Italy in the 1990s and is still in use across various units. The SC70/90 model is a variant adapted for airborne forces, featuring a folding side stock.

The SC70/90 rifle uses a gas-operated, short-stroke piston system, providing high reliability in various operating conditions. Its 450 mm barrel length ensures good range and accuracy.

One of the distinctive features of the SC70/90 model is its folding stock, which makes the rifle more convenient for transport and use in confined spaces. Thanks to this feature, the weapon is ideally suited for paratroopers and urban combat, where mobility and maneuverability are crucial.

Beretta SC70/90 rifleThe rifle uses standard 30-round magazines chambered in 5.56×45 mm, compatible with M16 magazines.

The design of the rifle is noted for its ergonomics and good balance. The contoured handguard and comfortable grip allow for effective control during burst firing. The iron sights are mechanical and adjustable for range but can be complemented with optical modules.

Today, while Beretta SC70/90 is gradually being phased out in favor of more modern rifles like ARX160, it continues to serve reliably in numerous units, including reserve forces.