Argentina Unveils New State-of-the-Art TAM 2CA2 Tank in Independence Day Military Parade.

In a grand display of military prowess and national pride, Argentina unveiled its latest generation of combat tank, the TAM 2CA2, during the Independence Day parade on July 9, 2024. This highly anticipated event marked the first public reveal of the advanced tank, showcasing Argentina's commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities.
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Christian Nationalist Vice President Victoria Villarruel, joined the July 9th Independence Day Parade together aboard a newly-upgraded Argentina-made TAM 2CA2 Main Battle Tank. (Picture source: X Social Media)

Thousands of citizens and dignitaries attended the military parade, a significant annual celebration of Argentina's independence. This year's event was particularly notable for the presence of President Javier Milei and Vice-President Vicky Villarruel, who joined the procession aboard a newly upgraded TAM 2CA2 tank. Their participation underscored the importance of this military advancement and highlighted the government's dedication to modernizing the nation's armed forces.

The TAM (Tanque Argentino Mediano) main battle tank was developed by the German company Rheinmetall Landsysteme, then known as Henschel Wehrtechnik, to meet the operational requirements of the Argentine Army. The development of the TAM began in the mid-1970s, with the first prototype completed in Germany in 1976 and the second following in 1977. The initial phase of the project involved constructing the chassis and final assembly in Buenos Aires, while the turret construction and integration of the 105 mm rifled gun and fire-control system occurred in Rio Tercero.

Following the delivery of the initial TAM prototypes to Argentina, local development continued under the direction of TAMSE (Tanque Argentino Mediano Sociedad del Estado). Over time, more than 1,450 engineering modifications were incorporated into the production vehicles to address operational feedback and improve performance. The original Argentine requirement was for 512 TAM tanks and VCTP infantry combat vehicles. However, due to financial constraints, production concluded after approximately 350 vehicles had been built.

In 2002, recognizing the urgent need to modernize its aging fleet, Argentina launched a project to recover and upgrade the TAM tanks, which had fallen into poor condition. The Argentine company Champion SA was contracted for this modernization effort, resulting in the TAM S21 variant. This version introduced new features such as night vision, GPS, and an upgraded steering system. Initially projected to upgrade 20 tanks, the project was reduced to 18 units before being canceled after only six vehicles were modified.

The first significant modernization was undertaken by Elbit Systems, resulting in the TAM 2C. The prototype was manufactured in March 2013 and featured several key upgrades, including a modernized turret, thermal cameras for night operations, a laser rangefinder and detector, an advanced radio communications system with frequency signals, a battle management information system, and an electrically accessed turret. Aesthetic improvements such as side skirts were also added.

In May 2016, the TAM 2IP was introduced as the second modernization iteration. It retained the upgrades of the TAM 2C and included a modular tank protection system covering the turret and sides, enhancing its defensive capabilities. The latest version, the TAM 2C-A2, saw its first prototype presented in 2023. This variant introduced further enhancements, particularly in sensor technology. The traditional sight was replaced with a GIMBAL periscope-type viewfinder, and the COAPS sensor for the tank commander was upgraded, enabling automatic target acquisition. Additionally, the TAM 2C-A2 featured an improved laser detection system, enhanced tank screen, and modernized laser detection system, along with additional 6mm steel armor for increased protection.

The evolution of the TAM main battle tank reflects Argentina's commitment to maintaining a capable and modern armored force through continuous upgrades and local development. From its initial design in the 1970s to the latest TAM 2C-A2 variant, the TAM has undergone significant transformations, adapting to new technologies and operational requirements to remain a relevant and effective component of Argentina's military strategy.

The TAM 2CA2 is a local development of a new type of main battle tank that will enter into service with the army of Argentina.