The Italian Defense Secretariat (SEGREDIFESA) has granted a major contract worth 848.8 million euros to the Iveco – Oto Melara consortium (CIO). The contract, announced by the Italian Terrestrial Armament Directorate (DAT), aims at the mid-life renovation of 90 Ariete C1 main battle tanks. Moreover, an option to extend this renovation to an additional 35 tanks is under consideration.
Specialized defense site, Analisi Difesa, highlights a prior contract valued at 35 million euros that was awarded to CIO. This initial contract involved the creation and testing of the Ariete C2 version with three prototypes.
Originating in the 1980s, the Ariete was developed as a modern battle tank by OTO Melara for the Italian Army. It was intended as a successor to the older Leopard 1 tanks. By the end of the 1990s, the Ariete became a significant part of the Italian military’s equipment list.
The Ariete tank showcases a powerful 120mm smoothbore gun, facilitating multiple ammunition types like the APFSDS and HEAT rounds. To enhance its defense against infantry and lightweight vehicles, it features a 7.62mm machine gun as both a coaxial weapon and a turret rooftop weapon.