[Cabeça de Martelo]

Operators of 4th Alpini Paratroopers Regiment

[goldfinger]

Bonito nombre... Al parecer el "apodo" del AW249/AH-249 del Esercito italiano será Fenice-Fénix).

[Cabeça de Martelo]

Fala-se nas internets da vida que o Exército Italiano quer adquirir 250 Leopard 2 A7!

[NVF]

Vão enviar os Ariete para a Ucrânia?

[Cabeça de Martelo]

Vão enviar os Ariete para a Ucrânia?

Isso não diziam, mas acho demasiados CC e duvido que conseguissem enviar números expressivos em tempo útil.

[Lusitano89]

[Drecas]

Hoje de manhã foi assinado o contrato para melhorar 90 Ariete's (com opção para mais 35) para a versão C2
O programa vai durar desde 2023 a 2030, com os primeiros a serem entregues em 2025

Principais upgrades são um novo motor, transmissão, FCS, óticas, C2, etc

Para além disto é esperado eventualmente um contrato de cerca de 125 Leopard 2A8

https://www.rid.it/shownews/5929/firmato-il-contratto-per-gli-ariete-c-2-di-serie

[Drecas]

Itália quer 21 HIMARS para complementar os M270 em serviço, M270 que receberão o upgrade para M270A2
https://www.difesa.it/Content/Documents/DPP%202023-2025.pdf

[Cabeça de Martelo]

Italy partners with Leonardo and KNDS to acquire 300 Leopard 2A8 tanks
Defense News December 2023 Global Security army industry

On December 13, 2023, Italian defense company Leonardo and Franco-German defense consortium KNDS (KMW and Nexter Defence Systems) finalized an agreement for the Italian Leopard 2A8 procurement program. According to RID, this collaboration includes the acquisition of 300 Leopard 2A8 vehicles, comprising the 2A8IT Main Battle Tank (MBT) and various engineering vehicles based on the same platform.



Concept of the future Leopard 2A8 Main Battle Tank (MBT) displayed at the IDET 2023 exhibition (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The official signing of this alliance took place at the Segredifesa headquarters and solidified the partnership between Leonardo and the Franco-German defense consortium KNDS (KMW and Nexter Defence System). This pact, endorsed by the CEOs of both companies, Roberto Cingolani for Leonardo and Frank Haun for KNDS, in coordination with the Italian Ministry of Defense, aims to promote joint initiatives between Italy and Germany.

These initiatives aim to strengthen their industrial foundations and contribute to the development of next-generation armored vehicle platforms. They include the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), the procurement of Leopard 2A8 tanks, new infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) under the AICS program, and combat support systems for the Italian Armed Forces.

Regarding the Leopard 2A8 procurement program, Leonardo and KNDS will collaborate in the development, production, and maintenance of the Leopard 2A8 for the Italian Army. This includes the 2A8 Main Battle Tank (MBT) and various engineering vehicles based on the same platform, such as recovery, bridge-laying, and engineer vehicles. The outcome of this partnership is the creation of an "Italianized" Leopard 2A8IT, equipped with Leonardo's fire control systems, communication apparatus, command and control systems, and potential elements of the turret.

In light of the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Italy seeks to enhance its land forces, as outlined in the Documento Programmatico Difesa (DPD) 2023-2025. Currently, Italy has 200 Ariete tanks, with only 50 in operational condition. To meet NATO's needs, the country plans to acquire over 250 battle tanks, including both new Leopard 2 and upgraded C1 Ariete AMV tanks.

As reported by Army Recognition on July 14, 2023, Italy aims to acquire at least 125 new Leopard 2A7/2A8 tanks to enhance the combat capabilities of Italy's armored forces. These forces currently rely on C1 Ariete and Leopard 1 platforms and their derivatives. This modernization effort prioritizes protection, lethality, mobility, interoperability, and logistic sustainability. The total projected cost for this program is €8,246.0 million, with €4,090.0 million already funded over 14 years.

Simultaneously, efforts are underway to modernize Italy's primary Main Battle Tank (MBT), the C1 Ariete, which has been in service for several years. The recent upgrade program, known as the Mid-Life Update (AMV), will apply to 125 tanks, with a budget allocation of €848.8 million for 2022.

The Leopard 2A8 Main Battle Tank (MBT) is an updated version within the Leopard 2 family of tanks, incorporating advanced armor protection through the use of multi-layered armor technology. The tank is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore gun, which offers improved accuracy, range, and penetration compared to earlier versions, along with a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.

The Leopard 2A8's enhanced armor includes a combination of materials such as steel, tungsten, composite filler, and ceramics. Compared to earlier versions, the 2A8 will be equipped with the Trophy Active Protection System (APS), known as EuroTrophy, which includes radar systems for threat detection and responsive countermeasures. The tank is powered by a 1,600 hp engine, providing a top road speed of 70 km/h and an operational range of around 450 kilometers.

The tank's combat equipment includes thermal imaging modules, laser rangefinders, ballistic computers, and a 360-degree commander's panoramic periscope, enhancing its targeting capabilities. Safety features consist of an NBC overpressurization system for protection against nuclear, biological, and chemical threats, as well as a fire protection system.

   https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_december_2023_global_security_army_industry/italy_partners_with_leonardo_and_knds_to_acquire_300_leopard_2a8_tanks.html

[Drecas]

Italy received US State Department approval for the purchase of M142 HIMARS for an estimated value of 400 million dollars
The sale includes:
21x HIMARS
1x M31A2 GMLRS-U
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/italy-m142-high-mobility-artillery-rocket-systems-himars

[mafets]

https://www.msn.com/pt-pt/noticias/other/v%C3%ADdeo-mostra-detalhes-do-novo-helic%C3%B3ptero-de-ataque-aw-249-fenice/ar-BB1iV7T6?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=U531&cvid=0b36d69947ed45b1a7b417f387638edf&ei=32

Equipado com dois motores GE Aerospace CT7, cada um com 2.500 cv (1.860 kW), o AW249 também utiliza os componentes dinâmicos do modelo AW149.

Projetado para substituir a atual frota de helicópteros de ataque AW129D Mangusta do exército italiano, o AW249 está previsto para entrar em serviço a partir de 2025.

Saudações

[Lusitano89]

[Cabeça de Martelo]

[Cabeça de Martelo]

Italian Army to replace its Ariete tanks with up to 380 German KF51 Panthers.

According to Defence Industry Europe on January 16, 2025, the Italian Ministry of Defence announced plans to procure up to 380 new tanks based on the German KF51 Panther at the IAV 2025 conference. Additionally, over 1,000 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) will be acquired as part of an extensive modernization program. To replace the aging C1 and C2 Ariete tanks, the KF-51 will be adapted to meet the specific operational requirements of the Italian Army. The program includes support vehicles built on the KF51 platform, and the overall budget for this initiative is expected to exceed €10 billion.

Italy’s development of a new main battle tank (MBT) is driven by the obsolescence of its C1 and C2 Ariete tanks, with a focus on enhanced lethality, mobility, survivability, and advanced networking capabilities. The Italian government has previously approved an €8.2 billion investment plan running from 2025 to 2038 for this purpose. These capabilities are being addressed through the adoption of the KF51 Panther, with additional customization, referred to as "Italianisation," to meet the unique operational needs of the Italian Army. The platform will be part of a broader fleet that includes recovery, rescue, and engineering variants.

To facilitate the achievement of this ambitious program, Leonardo and Rheinmetall established a 50:50 joint venture named Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV) in October 2024. This partnership aims to develop and manufacture the KF51 Panther and KF41 Lynx platforms for the Italian Army. Approximately 60% of the production activities will take place in Italy, with facilities in La Spezia handling assembly, integration of mission systems, and testing. The collaboration seeks to position Italy as a hub for advanced armored vehicle production and to explore export opportunities.

The second program, named A2CS, involves the acquisition of approximately 1,050 IFVs based on the KF41 Lynx platform. These vehicles will be developed in 16 configurations to fulfill various roles, including command posts, self-propelled mortars, anti-tank operations, reconnaissance, and engineering support. The modular design of the Lynx platform ensures adaptability for diverse mission profiles. The program is valued at €16 billion, with deliveries expected to commence in 2027.

The KF51 Panther, developed by Rheinmetall, represents the latest generation of main battle tanks and was first unveiled at Eurosatory 2022. The design builds upon the Leopard 2A4 hull but incorporates significant advancements in firepower, mobility, and protection. Hungary has partnered with Rheinmetall to develop a variant tailored to its requirements, and Italy's adoption further demonstrates the platform's appeal. The Panther is also under consideration by other NATO and international operators, indicating its potential for broader deployment.


The latest variant of the KF51 Panther is the KF51-U, unveiled at Eurosatory 2024, featuring an unmanned turret, a three-crew hull configuration, an autoloader-fed 130 mm main gun with 25 rounds, and a coaxial 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Key features of the KF51 Panther, one of the most modern tanks available to date, include a 130 mm L/52 smoothbore cannon, offering a 50% increase in firepower compared to existing 120 mm systems. The tank's autoloader supports rapid reloading, and its secondary armament comprises a 12.7 mm coaxial machine gun and a remote-controlled 7.62 mm NATTER RCWS. The Panther also has provisions for integrating HERO 120 loitering munitions, enabling extended engagement ranges and reconnaissance capabilities. Its modular design allows for adaptation to future mission requirements, including unmanned turret variants.

The Panther's protection suite consists of passive, reactive, and active systems, such as the StrikeShield active defense system and the Top Attack Protection System (TAPS). These features are designed to counter threats from kinetic projectiles, anti-tank guided missiles, and aerial attacks. Advanced sensors and 360-degree situational awareness systems enhance its survivability and operational effectiveness. Mobility is ensured by a V12 diesel engine producing 1,500 horsepower, providing a range of 500 kilometers and a top speed of 70 km/h. Collectively, these capabilities position the KF51 Panther as a versatile and future-ready main battle tank for modern militaries.

Since January 2024, Italy has initiated multiple modernization programs across its armed forces. In the land domain, the Italian Army began acquiring 21 U.S.-made M142 HIMARS rocket launchers to expand its long-range strike capabilities, complementing its existing M270A1 MLRS systems. Additionally, the Iveco Oto Melara Consortium delivered 76 VBM PLUS armored vehicles, including 60 combat and 16 anti-tank variants, as part of the Army’s medium brigade modernization. Testing has also started for the Lynx KF41 Infantry Fighting Vehicle under the Armoured Infantry Combat System (AICS) program, with plans to acquire 1,050 Lynx-based vehicles and 280 Panther KF51 main battle tanks. Italy also selected the Rheinmetall Skynex C-RAM air defense system, ordering an initial €73 million package including 35mm cannons, sensors, and command modules, with options for additional units.

In the air domain, Italy expanded its F-35 program to 115 aircraft with an investment of €7 billion, covering both F-35A and F-35B variants for the Air Force and Navy. In December 2024, a contract was signed for 24 new Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to replace older Tranche 1 models, integrating systems such as the AESA Captor-E radar and upgraded defensive capabilities. Naval modernization efforts included the commissioning of a new Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), the Trieste, which is the largest Italian naval vessel since World War II, designed for amphibious and air operations. Additionally, Italy has invested in directed energy weapons for counter-drone defense as part of its naval updates.

   https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/italian-army-to-replace-its-ariete-tanks-with-up-to-380-german-kf51-panthers-in-a-10-billion-program

[Lusitano89]