The Italian Army officially received, on Thursday the 18th, the first unit of the Ariete C-2 battle tank, a deeply modernized version of the Ariete C-1, originally delivered in 1995.
The delivery ceremony took place at the “Ceccignola” base in Rome, attended by the Army Chief of Staff, General Carmine Masiello, and the CEO of Iveco Defence Vehicles, Claudio Catalano.
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The Ariete C-2 tank marks the completion of a 30-year modernization program led by the CIO consortium (Consorzio Iveco-Oto Melara). The new model addresses critical flaws of its predecessor, including the widely criticized 1300 hp engine, while replacing obsolete components and adding new digital and combat capabilities.
+ Click here to watch the video of the modernized Ariete C-2
“The delivery of the Ariete C-2 is a symbol of innovation and the strong collaboration between the Army and the national defense industry,” said Masiello. Catalano highlighted the “recovery of tracked vehicle development expertise.”
Technical and operational advancements
The Ariete C-2 is equipped with the Iveco V-12 engine featuring a new NEM block, increasing power to 1500 hp. The reducers, ZF LSG-3000 transmission, and brakes were also reinforced. Although the cooling system remains virtually unchanged, the vehicle now uses the new KNDS 844 track with a 13-tooth drive wheel, increasing ground contact area by 3.5% and significantly reducing vibrations — one of the project’s main issues.
The Ariete C-2’s weight ranges from 55 tons in its base configuration to 63.3 tons with the Mine Protection Kit (MPK).
The turret incorporates the Centauro 2’s electric actuators, offering elevation from -7.5° to +19°. The fire control suite has been upgraded with new Attila D and Lothar SD optics, Leonardo SDR VQ-1 radio, L3Harris AN/PRC-152A satellite communication, and enhanced infantry integration. The C2N EVO system includes two displays for the commander and a digital cabin for the driver.
The main armament remains a 120 mm L44 cannon with 42 rounds. Additional weaponry includes a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, a 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun, and another 7.62 mm gun.
Source and images: IDV Iveco Defence Vehicles | Instagram @we_are_idv. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
