
Italy plans to procure 132 Panther MBTs, seen with unmanned turret at Eurosatory 2024. (Janes/Nicholas Fiorenza)
Janes learnt details of the modernisation of the Italian Army at Defence iQ's International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) 2025 conference, held under the Chatham House Rule in Farnborough from 21 to 23 January. Existing armoured vehicles and artillery will be upgraded as new systems are procured.
Italy's Ariete main battle tanks (MBTs), Dardo infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs), and Panzerhaubitze (PzH) 2000 self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) will be upgraded. The new systems being procured include Panther MBTs, Army Armoured Combat System (A2CS) IFVs, High-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARSs), a new SPH, and Vulcano 155 mm guided ammunition.
The procurement of 16 versions of the A2CS worth EUR16 billion (USD16.65 billion) is planned, including IFV; infantry, cavalry, 120 mm, and advanced combat reconnaissance; command post; fire support; joint fire support; anti-tank; 81 mm and 120 mm mortar vehicles; air defence; combat engineer vehicles; ammunition carriers; casevac (casualty evacuation); and drivetrain vehicles. The upgrade of 125 Ariete MBTs and the procurement of 132 Panther MBTs and 140 engineering variants are expected to cost another EUR8 billion, with Panther deliveries taking placed in 2030–40.
The new platforms will feature active and passive protection and operate in a tactical bubble.
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