Ares 2/25: Ariete Brigade Creates New Armored Generation
In the heart of the polygon Cellina-Meduna, in Friuli Venezia Giulia, the live-fire exercise “Ares 2/25”, which saw the involvement of a unit of the 132nd Tank Regiment of Armored Brigade “Ariete”The training activity represents one of the most significant stages in the training path of new tank crew members, and is part of a broader operational preparation program in view of full integration into the rapid response capabilities of the Atlantic Alliance.
For the newly assigned soldiers to the unit, “Ares 2/25” marked the conclusion of two intense weeks of training, divided into different modalities and scenarios. The units operated on multiple levels: “virtual” activities, with the use of the advanced simulation system VBS3, “blank” exercises for tactical coordination and a continuous night phase, aimed at testing command, orientation and combat capabilities in an uncertain and hostile operational context.
This modular methodology, which alternates the simulated environment with the real one, aims to progressively increase the crews' capabilities, with particular attention to interoperability and risk management in complex scenarios. The Cellina-Meduna, due to its extension and versatility, confirms itself as a polygon of excellence in the national training panorama, capable of supporting both the tactical and technical-logistical training of armored vehicles.
The exercise is not an isolated episode, but an integral part of the Ariete Brigade's training calendar, in preparation for the future NATO “Tier 2” certification, which provides for full operational readiness for use in collective defense missions. In this perspective, the tank units will also be engaged in the coming months in further large-scale training events, in Italy and abroad.
But the polygon is only one of the two tracks along which the transformation of the Italian heavy component is moving. The second concerns the development of new next-generation tanks, at the heart of the strategic collaboration between Italy and Germany.
The Future is Armored: 100 New Tanks by 2029
In parallel with the training evolution, the Italian Army is preparing for a historic technological transition, thanks to the industrial project shared between Leonardo e Rheinmetall, intended to thoroughly renew the national armored fleet. In fact, by 2029, the Delivery of the first 100 new tanks, for an overall estimated value of over 20 billion euros in the next few years.
The scope of the project was outlined Roberto Cingolani, CEO of Leonardo, in an interview with the German newspaper The Mirror. The new combat system will be tank-based Panther KF-51, a modular platform developed by Rheinmetall, featuring networking capabilities with drones, satellites and other digital assetsThe goal is to provide the Army with an armored system capable of operating in a multi-domain scenario, integrating sensors, digital commands and advanced protection.
Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles: a concrete joint venture
The implementation of the program is entrusted to the joint venture Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV), with registered office in Rome and production plant in The SpiceThe cooperation model is characterized by the balance in the distribution of activities: 60% of the operations will be carried out in Italy, the remainder 40% in Germany. This is an agreement that is already operational, with defined roles and timeframes, which breaks the traditional slowness of European programs.
Not surprisingly, the difference with the program MGCS (Main Ground Combat System) is clear. The latter, promoted by France and Germany, is still at the conceptual stage, while Italy and Germany have already defined production lines, objectives and investments. "The difference is that the Mgcs is only an announcement. We already know how to divide the work in the next fifteen years", said Cingolani.
A new model for Europe?
In the context of a European defence often slowed down by industrial fragmentation e political differences, the LRMV model is proposed as a concrete laboratory of cooperation. Not just a bilateral agreement, but a potential example for other future projects. In a Europe that seeks a new strategic centrality, the Italian way to armored modernization stands out for its pragmatism, speed and vision.
In conclusion, while the young tankers of the 132nd refine their operational skills in the field, the future of the Army is also being built in the workshops, laboratories and decision-making centers where the new generation of Italian armored vehicles takes shape. From the firing line to the Panther, Italy is taking its steps towards a more modern, lethal and interconnected land force.
Published by Condoralex
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
