Argentina and Elbit Systems Continue TAM 2C Medium Tank A2 Modernization Program.

Argentina continues the modernization of its tank fleet with the TAM 2C-A2 program, in collaboration with the Israeli company Elbit Systems. This ambitious program plans to modernize 74 tanks over five years, with a potential extension for an additional 30 units, bringing the total to over 100 modernized tanks within the projected timeframe.

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Argentina TAM 2C A2 Medium Tank (Picture source: Argentina Army)

The Army's Arsenal Directorate has already completed the product engineering phase and is currently working on process engineering, pre-series production, and testing, following the successful evaluation of the prototype's technical and operational performance. To date, two TAM 2C A2 tanks have been completed and evaluated, with plans to add three more in the coming months. These first units have also facilitated the training of instructors at the 602nd Arsenal Battalion, where training on the new engine will be conducted.

The TAM 2C A2 tanks, which incorporate cutting-edge technology, are equipped with a Commander Open Architecture Panoramic Sight (COAPS) similar to those used on Merkava tanks and Dutch CV90s. Enhancements include a sophisticated fire control system, an optical sight with a rangefinder, and a ballistic computer, as well as air filtration devices, a fire suppression system, and a battle management system paired with smoke grenades. These technological improvements are complemented by the integration of Elbit E-LAWS laser warning systems, which replace the older Threat Detection Systems (TDS).

Work on the TAM 2C-A2 also includes the addition of a new Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and new panels, primarily carried out by the Argentine company IMPSA. According to Report No. 139 from the Office of the Chief of Cabinet of Ministers to the National Congress, the product engineering phase is complete, and the project is now in the phases of process engineering and preliminary testing.

The TAM 2C A2 is armed with a main 105 mm gun, a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun, and a 7.62 mm machine gun mounted on the roof. Designed for a crew of four, it has armor capable of withstanding small arms fire, shell splinters, and armor-piercing ammunition up to 20 mm. Weighing 30,000 kg, the TAM 2C A2 can reach speeds of up to 75 km/h and has a range of 940 km.

Despite initial delays in the project, where only two tanks had been delivered in 13 years, significant progress has recently been made. Former Argentine Army Deputy Chief General Diego López Blanco stated that "the TAM will be the most modern tank in the region." This modernization comes at a critical time as neighboring Chile also undertakes the modernization of its Leopard tank fleet with the help of Turkish industrialists, signaling a regional arms race in armored capabilities.

According to Report No. 139 from the Office of the Chief of Cabinet of Ministers to the National Congress, regarding the progress of the TAM 2C-A2 project, it was stated: “To date, the product engineering stage has been completely concluded and work is underway on process engineering and the pre-series stage and tests, which began once the prototype was evaluated for its technical-operational performance. Currently, two tanks have been completed and evaluated, with the forecast to add three tanks in the coming months. It is worth noting that this project began in 2010 and in the last 13 years, only 2 completed vehicles had been delivered. This year, more combat vehicles will be received than those delivered since the beginning of the project.”