The Italian army has officially commissioned the first upgraded Ariete C2 main battle tank, an updated version of the Italian Cat, whose prototype was first rolled on the parade ground of the Cecchignola military complex in Rome. The ceremony was attended by the Chief of the General Staff of the Italian Armed Forces, General Giuseppe Cauza, Deputy Minister of Defense Francesco Loredan, as well as the leadership of the Iveco – Oto Melara consortium (CIO), which plays a key role in the tank lifecycle program.
What has changed in Ariete C2
1. Electronics and sensors: now there is a new generation digital fire control system with a 3rd generation thermal imaging channel and a high-precision laser rangefinder.
2. Reservation: modular composite protection class 4+ (STANAG 4569 standard) with the possibility of quick replacement of damaged segments.
3. Engine: 1,500 hp Iveco MTCA 12V turbodiesel and new ZF LSG 3000 automatic transmission provide a specific power of 27 hp/t and a maximum highway speed of 70 km/h.
4. Armament: retained 120mm smoothbore Rheinmetall Rh-120 L/44, but added an electromechanical gunner and the ability to fire guided LAHAT projectiles.
5. Connectivity and network centricity: Fully integrated into the Forza NEC digital tactical network of the Italian Army, which allows real-time data exchange with UAVs, artillery and infantry.
A total of 90 Ariete machines are planned to be upgraded to the C2 standard by 2030. The order is divided into two lots:
- lot 1 — 35 tanks, contract €350 million, completion until 2027.;
- Lot 2 — 55 tanks, €480 million contract, options for further upgrade to C3.
The work is being carried out at the OTO Melara plant in La Spezia: the hulls are being cut, the frontal projections are being reinforced, new tower modules are being installed and the internal "stuffing" is being changed. The first 10 vehicles will be tested in Sardinia at the Salto di Quirra training ground, after which they will be delivered to the 132nd Ariete Tank Regiment in Taranto.
The renewal of the fleet will allow Italy to keep the only domestic MBT in service until the arrival of the promising Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) together with France and Germany (2035+). The Ariete C2 is to complete the tasks of strengthening NATO's eastern flank, participating in EU Battlegroup missions, and ensuring compatibility with Allied Leopard 2A8 and M1A2 SEPv4 tanks.
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