Ariete 1

The C1 Ariete is a third-generation main battle tank developed for the Italian Army by Consorzio Iveco Oto Melara (CIO), a consortium of Iveco and OTO Melara. Development included the production of prototypes by 1988, followed by testing in 1989. Deliveries to the Italian Army occurred between 1994 and 2002. In 2023, a contract was signed to modernize a portion of the fleet to the C2 standard.

The vehicle utilizes a conventional layout with the driver at the front, the fighting compartment in the center, and the engine at the rear. Armor consists of a steel and composite blend. Defensive systems include two side-mounted GALIX grenade launchers capable of firing smoke or chaff. The vehicle is NBC protected. The C2 modernization program introduces improved mine protection and modular armor packages.

Primary armament is a 120 mm OTO Breda L/44 smoothbore gun, compatible with NATO-standard ammunition. The gun is fully stabilized and equipped with a thermal sleeve and fume extractor. Ammunition storage includes ready-rounds in the turret and additional rounds in a hull rack. Secondary armament consists of two 7.62 mm MG 42/59 machine guns, one mounted coaxially and one in an anti-aircraft configuration. The OG14L3 TURMS fire-control system provides hunter-killer capability, featuring a panoramic sight for the commander and a thermal sight with a laser rangefinder for the gunner. A digital computer integrates meteorological data and turret attitude to calculate firing solutions.

Mobility is provided by a Fiat-Iveco MTCA turbo-diesel V12 engine paired with an automatic transmission featuring four forward and two reverse gears. The suspension system uses torsion bars with hydraulic shock absorbers and friction dampers. The C2 modernization includes the installation of an Iveco Vector 12 engine and updated transmission components, along with widened tracks. Turret drives are converted from hydraulic to electric to improve fire-control accuracy and reduce fire risks.

The Italian Army is the operator of the Ariete. The tank is assigned to the Bersaglieri Brigade "Garibaldi" within the 4th Tank Regiment and the Armored Brigade "Ariete" within the 32nd and 132nd Tank Regiments. It is also used by the Italian Army Cavalry School and the Transport and Materiel School.