The upgraded Italian C1 Ariete tank with reinforced armor and improved engine is unveiled

The Italian defense industry has unveiled the third and final prototype of the C1 Ariete fighting tank for the country's armed forces.

Here's What We Know

The new version of the fighting vehicle is equipped with IVECO V12 MTCA power unit with Common Rail fuel injection system. The power is 1500 horsepower. The original version of the tank weighed 54 tons. The weight of the upgraded C1 Ariete is increased by several thousand pounds.

The tank is equipped with new sights, which increase the efficiency of shooting with 120 mm cannon in day and night time. Developers stated that there are no plans to change the gun itself, but announced the use of more powerful projectiles.

Special attention should be paid to defense. Improving armor was one of the key aspects of the upgrade. The new version C1 Ariete has a set of reinforced armor, where the main emphasis is placed on the protection of the side projections of the fighting vehicle. The developers installed so-called reactive armor along with anti-shock shields on the sides and on the turret.

Flashback

The original C1 Ariete was created in 1986, but the first production tank appeared nine years later. In 2022, the Italian Army began receiving the first combat vehicles. The tank has a standard design - the engine is at the rear and the driver's compartment is located on the right.

The main armament of the C1 Ariete consists of 120 mm Oto Melara gun. There are also two machine guns of 7.62 mm caliber. Maximum speed is 65 km/h and cruising range is 550 km.

Source: ArmyRecognition