According to a Tweet published by "Ciro Nappi" on March 6, 2023, the Italian army has shown interest to acquire 70 Leopard 2A7 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) and 100 CV90 Mk IV tracked armored IFVs (Infantry Fighting Vehicles) to equip the Ariete armored brigade.
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Italy would show interest in acquiring Leopard 2A7 Main Battle Tanks and CV90 MK IV tracked armored Infantry Fighting Vehicles. (Picture source Army Recognition)
The 132nd Armored Brigade "Ariete" is currently the only active armored brigade of the Italian Army. Its core units are tank and Bersaglieri infantry regiments.
The decision by the Italian army to acquire these Leopard 2A7 tanks and these CV90s could be taken pending the joint development of a new combat tank, as well as an infantry combat vehicle.
This makes it clearer that the decision is conditional on the joint development of both a new combat tank and an infantry combat vehicle.
Currently, the Italian armed forces have a total of 200 Ariete C1 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), 259 B1 Centauro 8x8 fire support vehicles, 200 VCC-80 Dardo tracked armored IFVs (Infantry Fighting Vehicles), and 258 VBM 8x8 Freccia 8x8 armored infantry fighting vehicle.
Italy also launched a modernization program for its Ariete MBT including an MTCA AMV engine developing 1,500 hp. It also has new tracks and transmission. In terms of protection, the hull and the turret are fitted with a new armor package to increase protection against modern anti-tank guided missiles and RPGs (Rocket-Propelled Grenades). according to mission requirements, the modernized Ariete could be fitted with add-on armor including the PSO (Peace Support Operation) and WAR (symmetrical warfare with MBTs). The hull is also fitted with mine blast armor plates.
The new version of the Italian Ariete MBT is fitted with new optronics and electronics. It keeps the same armament as the previous Ariete MBT consisting of an Oto Melara 120 mm 44 caliber smoothbore gun fitted with a muzzle reference system, thermal sleeve, and fume extractor.
The Leopard 2A7 is a modern main battle tank that is currently in service with the German Army. It is an upgraded version of the Leopard 2A6, which was introduced in 2001. The Leopard 2A7 features enhanced armor protection, a new gunner's sight with a higher magnification, and improved fire control systems. It is also equipped with a remote-controlled weapon station on the turret, which can be operated from inside the tank.
The CV90 Mk IV is the latest version of tracked armored IFVs in the CV90 family, which was first introduced in the 1990s. The CV90 Mk IV features improved protection, increased mobility, and advanced digital systems for enhanced situational awareness and communication.
The CV90 Mk IV has a crew of three, including a driver, a commander, and a gunner. It can carry up to eight fully equipped soldiers in its troop compartment. The CV90 Mk IV can be armed with a 35mm or a 40mm cannon, which can be used against both ground and air targets, as well as a coaxial machine gun and a remote-controlled weapon station on the roof.
