Ariete C2 Italian Main Battle Tank (MBT)
Ariete C2
Main Battle Tank (MBT)
Other
Basic Information
Name
Ariete C2 Italian Main Battle Tank (MBT)
Designation
Ariete C2
Alternate Designation
Ariete C2
Equipment Type
Main Battle Tank (MBT)
Manufacturer
Iveco Defense Vehicles
Date of Introduction
2025
Description
The Ariete C2 Italian Main Battle Tank (MBT) is a deep mid‑life upgrade of Italy’s C1 Ariete, bringing a 1,500 hp powerpack, overhauled running gear, fully digital FCS and C2 suite, and incremental survivability improvements, but still without hard‑kill APS or a major armor redesign. Life‑extension and capability upgrade of existing fleet to bridge to future Leopard 2A8‑IT and/or MGCS; improves mobility, fight ability, and digital integration more than raw protection.
Ground Specifications
Crew
4
Mobility Type
Tracked
Main Weapon
120 mm L/44 MBT
Engine
V-12 turbocharged diesel (1500 hp)
Active Protection
None
NBC Protection
Yes
Max Speed
60.0 km/h
Range
550.0 km
System
Alternative Designation
Ariete C2
Type
Main Battle Tank (MBT)
Manufacturer
Iveco Defense Vehicles
Crew
4 ea
Electronics, C2, and Crew Systems
The other major change, besides the powerpack, is the move to a modern digital architecture. Integration of C2D N EVO digital command and control suit. Provides Blue Force tracking, battle management, and networked data exchange with other platforms. New software‑defined radios with multi‑channel capability (4‑channel SDR) and SATCOM compatibility; fully integrated with the internal intercom system. Turret interior redesigned with ergonomic, digital workstations and multifunction LCDs for commander and gunner; FCS and BMS displayed on these screens. Driver now has a digital dashboard providing vehicle diagnostics, navigation, and mobility data, integrated into the C2D N EVO network. This is a substantial human‑machine interface modernization compared to analogue C1 installations.
Dimensions
Length with Barrel
9,905 mm
Length without Barrel
7,990 mm
Height Hull
1,834 mm
Height with turret (Panoramic Sight)
3,011 mm
Overall Width with Fender
3,610 mm
Overall Width without Fender
3,420 mm
Wheelbase
2,800 mm
Weight, Combat
62,500 kg
Automotive
Engine Name
Iveco MTCA 25.8 L
Engine Type
V‑12 turbocharged diesel,
Engine Power
1,500 hp
Maximum Range
550 km
Speed, Maximum Road
60 km/h
Speed, Average Cross
INA
Gradient
60%
Side Slope
30%
Vertical Step
1.1 m
Fording Depth, without Preparation
1.20 m
Fording Depth, with Preparation
2.1 m
Approach Angle
40°
Departure Angle
40°
Main Weapon System
Note
The C2 remains fundamentally a 120 mm L/44 MBT, but with a completely new digital fire‑control and optronics suite and electric turret drives. Ammunition stowage remains 42 rounds (15 turret bustle, 27 hull). Standard NATO APFSDS and HEAT‑FS; future introduction of programmable and guided 120 mm rounds is indicated by Italian sources.
Coaxial Weapon System
Note
1 x Coaxial 7.62 mm MG.
Auxiliary Weapon System
Note
1 x 12.7 mm M2NV HMG on the turret roof.
Fire Control System
Note
New fully digital FCS derived from the Centauro II system includes: Stabilized digital optronics suite for gunner and commander; New‑generation TV and thermal/IR cameras from Leonardo; and Digital ballistic computer integrating meteorological, platform attitude, barrel wear, ammunition, and target data. This is a significant leap over the 1990s‑era C1 FCS and is intended to put the C2 “in line with next‑generation tanks” in FCS terms, even though the armament and armor remain legacy.
Protection
Hull Armor
The C2 upgrade is evolutionary on protection: better add‑on kits, internal safety, and soft measures, but no drastic structural armor redesign and no hard‑kill APS in the real program. Welded steel hull and turret with composite armor retained from C1. Italians have so far “optimistically ignored” cage armor (“barbecue” armor) and any visible stand‑off screens in standard configuration.
Mine / IED Protection
MPK (Mine Protection Kit) adds underbelly and side enhancements; total GVW up to ~63.3 t when combined with PSO armor.
Applique Armor
Modular add‑on armor kits for base, PSO, and mine‑protection configurations as noted in the weight section.
Soft‑kill and Passive Survivability
Existing RALM laser warning receiver retained from C1; provides 360° azimuth warning of laser illumination. Internals reworked with more fire‑safe routing of fuel lines, new fuel tanks, and better compartmentalization.
Active Protection System
Current C2 program has no hard‑kill APS in service configuration.
NBC Protection
Yes
Smoke Equipment
New or revised smoke grenade launchers integrated into the turret for quick obscuration.
Image Sources
Details
Country of Origin
Italy
Category
Tanks
Land > Tanks
Filter Label
A
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
—
Width
3.42 m
Height
3.01 m
Weight
62500 kg
Operators (1)
Italy
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