Ariete Main battle tank (Italy)
Channel: Main Battle Tank
Date: 20/01/2023

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The Ariete (ram) main battle tank (also referred as the C-1) was developed by OTO Melara and FIAT. It is named in honor to Italian Ariete armored division, which fought during World War II. This main battle tank was intended to replace ageing fleet of M60A1 in service with Italian army. First prototype of the C-1 Ariete was revealed in 1986 and six pre-production vehicles were built in 1989. It entered service with Italian army in 1995. Italy operates 200 MBTs of this type.

This main battle tank is protected with composite armor, similar to British Chobham. Add-on armor kits can be fitted if necessary.

Ariete is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore gun, developed by Oto Melara. It fires a full range of standard NATO ammunition. This gun is loaded manually. Only 15 rounds are carried in the turret bustle and are ready to use, while the rest of ammunition is stored at the front of the hull.

Vehicle's Galileo fire control system shares many components with the fire control system, installed on Centauro 105 mm wheeled tank destroyer.

Secondary armament consists of two 7.62 mm machine guns. One of them is coaxially mounted with the main gun, while the other is placed on top of the roof.

The Ariete is powered by IVECO V-12 MTCA turbocharged multi-fuel diesel engine, developing 1 300 horsepower. IVECO company also provided other automotive components for this tank. Tracks and some chassis components of the Ariete is similar to the German Leopard 2 MBT.

Ariete Mk.2 was revealed in 2005. It has a modular armor, 120 mm smoothbore gun fitted with an autoloader, hydropneumatic suspension, 1 500 hp engine and more advanced fire control system.

Ariete AMV is an upgraded version. It was revealed in 2022. It has increased engine power, add-on modular armor and some other improvements. Armored platted was added to the hull for increased protection against mine blasts. Add-on armor protection of this tank can be tailored for peacekeeping operations as well as operations during conventional war.