Italy to spend $930m to modernise 90 Ariete tanks - Army has only 50 tanks out of 200 in working order

The Italian Army is experiencing problems with its tanks. Only 25 per cent of Ariete combat vehicles are in working condition. Therefore, the authorities intend to modernise almost a hundred tanks.

Here's What We Know

The authorities signed a contract for the modernisation of 90 Ariete tanks with CIO, a joint venture between IVECO and OTO Melara. The deal is worth almost $930 million. There is also an option to modernise another 35 combat vehicles.

The Italian Army has 200 Ariete tanks in service. However, only 50 of them are in working condition and ready to perform missions. The average cost of modernising one combat vehicle is approximately $10.3 million.

In July 2023, Italy's Deputy Defence Minister Isabella Rauti said that the army needs to have more than 250 tanks in line with NATO requirements. This goal will be achieved not only by modernising the Ariete, but also by buying 133 new Leopard 2A8 tanks.

Source: Defence News