Update: 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, for completion planned in 2029, with an option for 35 more, 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 to 4,800 Nm at 1,400 rpm allowing for the vehicle to conduct pivot, launch, and restart manoeuvres. The increased weight of the vehicle to 62.5 tonnes and the increased engine power and torque required significant upgrades to the gearbox and final drive. The braking system was replaced by a more advanced and effective one that also addressed obsolescence issues related to an overseas supply chain, mainly filter elements and electrical components from an unnamed company, according to CIO. The Ariete C1's 614 mm-wide tracks were replaced by 635 mm-wide tracks to increase mobility and reduce crew vibration.