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Argentine Prepares To Field First 10 VC TAM 2C-A2 Main Battle Tanks.
On 20 December 2024, the President of Argentine, Javier Milei, will visit the facilities of the Dirección de Arsenales in Boulogne to preside over the ceremony marking the delivery of the first 10 VC TAM 2C-A2 main battle tanks to the Argentine Army. However, the announced number of tanks raises questions, as not all units will be fully operational due to various delays and issues encountered in the modernization program.
The VC TAM 2C-A2 project is seen as a key element in the modernisation of the Argentine army's armoured capabilities. (Picture source: Social Media)
The VC TAM 2C-A2 project, considered a key element in modernizing the armored capabilities of the Argentine Army, is facing financial and logistical difficulties that are slowing its execution. One of the main challenges is the shortage of critical spare parts for the chassis of the selected tanks, which has hindered the completion of the planned units. This issue also extends to other essential supplies needed for the advancement of the program.
According to sources consulted, concerns have been expressed regarding the lack of released financial guarantees for various suppliers. Several sectors have pointed out that difficulties related to these guarantees are causing additional delays and significant financial costs.
This situation is also reflected in the shortage of spare parts and critical components, the delivery of which depends on contracts currently undergoing renegotiations with international suppliers, including key players such as the Israeli company Elbit Systems. Efforts are currently underway to amend the contract to include ammunition and spare parts, although the process is progressing slowly.
Argentine faces several potential threats in its region, both military and economic. Among the major concerns is the ongoing dispute with the United Kingdom over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, a conflict that has persisted since the 1982 war and could still lead to tensions. Additionally, instability in neighboring countries, particularly in Venezuela and Bolivia, could have repercussions for regional security. The growing activities of transnational criminal groups, including drug trafficking and terrorism, also pose a threat to domestic stability. Finally, the strengthening of military capabilities by other South American nations, coupled with defense agreements with extra-regional powers like the United States or China, raises concerns about the strategic balance in the region.
One of the most criticized aspects of the VC TAM 2C-A2 program is the frequency with which the systems are presented at ceremonial events. While these events aim to showcase progress and maintain visibility of the program, they disrupt modernization efforts due to the shortage of personnel assigned. As a result, this exacerbates the delays in the program and reduces the number of fully operational systems.
The financial difficulties related to the release of guarantees have had a significant impact on both suppliers and the program itself. As highlighted in a previous article by Zona Militar, these debts are creating a bottleneck in the development of military capabilities and raising concerns about the financial management of the Argentine Armed Forces.
Despite these challenges, the VC TAM 2C-A2 program remains a central component of the Argentine Army's modernization efforts. However, the lack of significant progress highlights the need for a reassessment to ensure the program’s continuity and adherence to reasonable timelines. Ceremonial events, such as the one scheduled for Friday, reinforce the narrative of progress in the public eye but also highlight the structural limitations of the program.