Argentine Army Now Equipped with Modernized TAM 2C Medium Tanks.

Based on information released through SA Defensa's X account, the Argentine Army has recently upgraded its armored capabilities with the introduction of the TAM 2C, an upgrade of the Tanque Argentino Mediano (TAM). This medium tank, originally designed and operated by Argentina, has been modernized to meet current battlefield requirements. The Military Balance 2023 reports that Argentina's arsenal includes 225 units of the TAM tank.
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Cadets from the Argentine Army visited the Arsenal Battalion 602 in Boulogne Sur Mer to study the TAM 2C upgrade. (Picture source X Account SA Defensa)

The Tanque Argentino Mediano (TAM) represents an important milestone in Argentine military engineering, reflecting a blend of international collaboration and specific national requirements. Initiated in the 1970s, the TAM project was Argentina's response to the need for a modern armored fighting vehicle capable of operating effectively across the country's diverse landscapes, from the rugged Andes mountains to the expansive Pampas grasslands.

The development of the TAM was primarily a response to the limitations faced by the Argentine military's existing armored fleet, which was composed of older models that struggled with the geographic and operational demands of the region. Seeking a modern solution, Argentina collaborated with Germany's Thyssen-Henschel (now part of Rheinmetall AG), leveraging the German company's expertise in tank design and engineering. This collaboration aimed to create a medium tank that combined mobility, firepower, and protection in a package that was both effective in combat and suitable for Argentina's specific operational scenarios.

The resulting vehicle was a medium tank that incorporated several key design elements from German engineering, notably aspects of the Marder infantry fighting vehicle, which influenced the TAM's mobility and mechanical components. The TAM was equipped with a 105mm main gun, capable of firing a range of NATO-standard ammunition, making it a formidable opponent on the battlefield. Its powerplant, a MTU MB 833 Ka-500 diesel engine, provided a balance of power and fuel efficiency, enabling the TAM to achieve speeds up to 75 km/h with a range of approximately 500 kilometers, thereby ensuring operational flexibility and strategic mobility across vast distances.

Protection was another critical feature of the TAM, incorporating composite armor and, in later versions, upgrades that included additional armor packages and modern electronic warfare systems to enhance its survivability on the modern battlefield. Despite its advancements, the TAM also faced challenges, including budgetary constraints and changing military priorities, which influenced its production and upgrade cycles.

Close view of the new TAM 2C Medium Tank of the Argentine Army. (Picture source)

The TAM 2C is an upgraded version of the Tanque Argentino Mediano (TAM), a project developed and produced by Elbit Systems, an Israel-based defense electronics company. This modernization initiative reflects Argentina's ongoing efforts to enhance its armored capabilities, ensuring that the TAM remains effective in contemporary military engagements.

Elbit Systems, with its extensive expertise in defense technologies, spearheaded the TAM 2C's development. The upgrade aimed to address and improve upon the limitations of the original TAM models, incorporating advanced technologies that significantly boost the tank's performance across various domains.

The improvements introduced with the TAM 2C version are substantial, particularly in the areas of firepower, protection, mobility, and situational awareness. The TAM 2C's fire control system (FCS) has been comprehensively upgraded, which enhances targeting accuracy and engagement speed, enabling the crew to detect, track, and engage targets more effectively. This upgrade is crucial for improving the tank's lethality on the battlefield.

In terms of protection, the TAM 2C has received upgrades to its armor, including the addition of modular armor packages that can be tailored to specific threat environments. This modular approach allows for a more flexible deployment strategy, adapting the tank's protection level to the anticipated battlefield threats, thereby enhancing crew survivability.

Mobility enhancements have also been a focus, with improvements to the engine and transmission systems ensuring that the TAM 2C can maintain high mobility across varied terrains. This is critical for operational flexibility, allowing the tank to maneuver effectively in diverse combat scenarios.

Situational awareness has been significantly improved through the integration of advanced electronic systems, including new sensors and communication equipment. These enhancements provide the crew with better battlefield awareness, enabling more informed decision-making and coordination with other units.

The TAM 2C represents a significant leap forward in terms of capability, addressing the evolving demands of modern warfare and ensuring that the Argentine Army's armored forces remain capable and ready to face contemporary challenges.

A previous version of the TAM Medium Tank. (Picture source Wikimedia)

Defense News March 2024