Italy modernizing its ground warfare capabilities by replacing aging tanks

Europe, News March 12, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

Italy is modernizing its ground warfare capabilities by replacing its aging fleet of tanks and other infantry vehicles. According to Italian defense officials, a quick procurement of at least 125 new tanks would be made in the first phase.

A debate regarding a strong and reliable ground warfare mechanism has been reignited in Europe in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Many European countries are improving their ground warfare capabilities. Italian defense officials have also shown concerns about their aging fleet of Ariete tanks and Dardo fighting vehicles, which acts as the primary line of defense for the Italian military.

Chief of Italian military procurement General Luciano Portolano addressed the defense committee of the Italian parliament this week. During his address, he stressed that the military urgently needs to upgrade tanks as well as other armored and tactical fighting vehicles. “The defense ministry is evaluating all options, with a main focus on rapidly filling gaps,” he said.

Based on the assessment provided by the military procurement department, Italy needs to urgently replace at least 250 Ariete main battle tanks. In the first phase of the replacement process, the defense ministry is planning to acquire 125 new main battle tanks, while 125 more tanks would be filled in later.

Due to the increased prices, shortage of tanks, and ongoing economic crises in the country, an Italian member of parliament with the Italian government coalition party Forza Italia, Giorgio Mule, has suggested leasing the tanks rather than purchasing new ones in order to fill the gap until a practical solution has been figured out.

*^{Italian DARDO infantry Fighting vehicles approaching for exercise. (Image Credit: NATO)}*

“Italy will need a gap filler which is already in use in NATO and Europe, which is reliable and comes with logistics provided, which likely means leasing from another state,” Mule said. Given Italy’s need and NATO’s requirements, leasing out German-made Leopard tanks would be the best option. “We need urgent modernization, the last time we introduced new tanks and fighting vehicles was in the 1980s with the Ariete and Dardo vehicles,” Mule stressed.

In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, military products and particularly tanks have seen an immense increase in demand in the European market. Several European militaries, particularly those near Ukrainian borders, have started exploring options to strengthen their ground defense capabilities. This has not only led to the shortage of military products in the region but also allowed new sellers to enter the market. Last year, Poland signed a $5.8 billion deal with South Korea to buy 182 K2 tanks and 212 self-propelled howitzers, one of the largest weapons sales for South Korea.