Italian Army receives first upgraded Ariete C2 MBT

The Italian Army received its first upgraded Ariete C2 MBT at its Cecchignola base on 18 July. (IDV)

The Italian Army received its first upgraded Ariete command-and-control (C2) main battle tank (MBT) at its Cecchignola base on 18 July, the Army General Staff and the Iveco-Oto Melara Consortium (CIO) announced later the same day. The programme to upgrade 90 of the MBTs also includes 10 years of logistical support for the MBTs.

The Ariete upgrade includes improvements in mobility, lethality, and C2 systems.

The MBT's engine displacement has been increased, an electronically controlled common rail injection system has been installed, and the supercharger has been updated. Engine power was increased by 20% to 1,500 hp, with what CIO and the Italian Army described as a “significant” increase in torque at low rpm allowing for the vehicle to conduct pivot, launch, and restart manoeuvres. The increased weight of the vehicle and the increased engine power and torque required significant upgrades to the gearbox and final drive. The braking system was replaced with a more advanced and effective one that also addressed obsolescence issues related to an overseas supply chain, according to CIO. The Ariete C1's tracks were replaced with wider ones to increase mobility and reduce crew vibration.

Installation of the new turret provides greater interoperability, precision, and safety, bringing the Ariete C2 to the level of the latest-generation tanks. The hydraulic servos have been replaced with more reliable and high-performance electric drive systems, and the fire-control system has been replaced by a digital one, drawing on the experience of the Centauro II 8×8 fire-support vehicle, with the integration of stabilised digital optronics equipped with the latest-generation television and infrared cameras.