The Italian Army received its first upgraded Ariete main battle tank, known as the “C2,” during a ceremony at the Cecchignola Military Compound in Rome.
The event was attended by senior military leaders and representatives from the Iveco – Oto Melara Consortium (CIO), which is leading the modernization program.
The Ariete C2 is the first of 90 tanks slated for an extensive technological upgrade under a program designed to extend the operational life of Italy’s armored fleet and address evolving battlefield challenges.
The modernization effort includes a ten-year logistics support package and is part of the Army’s broader initiative to revitalize its tracked vehicle fleet.
“Today’s ceremony represents a crucial stage in a continuous and significant evolution: the delivery of the Ariete C2 tank, a symbol of innovation and collaboration between the Army and the defense industry,” said Lieutenant General Carmine Masiello, Chief of Staff of the Italian Army. “It is not just a technical milestone, but it represents the confirmation of a shared commitment to grow and face the complex challenges of the future together. We are experiencing a phase of maximum synergy and effective dialogue.”
Claudio Catalano, President of CIO, emphasized the strategic value of the program.
“The Ariete modernization program has allowed the Italian defense industry to rebuild a strategic expertise in the tracked vehicle sector. The investments initiated in recent years and still ongoing are leading to a steady increase in industrial capacity, enabling not only a much-needed technological leap but also a significant extension of the platform’s operational life,” Catalano said.
The Ariete C2 upgrade brings enhancements in mobility, lethality, and digital command and control systems. Among the most notable improvements:
The tank’s engine displacement was increased and equipped with an electronically controlled common rail injection system and an updated supercharger. This has resulted in a 20% power boost to 1,500 horsepower, with greater torque for superior performance in key maneuvers.
The gearbox and final drive were overhauled to handle the additional power, while a new braking system addresses past supply chain vulnerabilities and improves vehicle safety.
The original Ariete tracks were replaced with a new model offering a larger footprint and reduced crew vibration, enhancing mobility across diverse terrains.
On the firepower front, the tank now integrates a fully digital fire control system similar to that of the Centauro II, featuring stabilized optronics and advanced TV and infrared cameras for improved targeting and engagement. The turret’s hydraulic servos were replaced with electric drive systems for greater reliability and precision.
The Ariete C2 also incorporates modernized communications and situational awareness systems, including the new C2D N EVO Command and Control suite and software-defined radios with satellite connectivity.
Crew survivability has been improved through the installation of advanced fire-fighting and anti-explosion systems. Redesigned crew stations feature ergonomic layouts and multifunctional screens, while a new digital pilot’s panel integrates navigation and command interfaces.
The Italian Army views the upgraded tank as a vital part of its broader deterrence strategy and a bridge to future armored capabilities. The program is expected to ensure a seamless transition between legacy systems and next-generation platforms anticipated in the coming years.
Defense officials underscored that the Ariete C2’s debut strengthens Italy’s ability to meet NATO commitments and maintain a credible armored force in an increasingly uncertain security environment.
Italy plans to complete deliveries of all 90 upgraded tanks within the next several years.