The Best Choice: 380 Tanks and 1000 IFVs

The Italian Ministry of Defense has confirmed its intention to purchase up to 380 new tanks and over 1,000 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) as part of two major procurement programs.

The first program aims to replace the now obsolete C1 and C2 Ariete tanks with a new fleet based on the KF51 Panther. These vehicles will undergo extensive modifications to meet Italian operational requirements, a process referred to as “Italianization.” The program will also include support vehicles built on the KF51 platform. Although the exact budget for this initiative has not been disclosed, it is estimated to exceed 10 billion euros.

The second program involves acquiring approximately 1,050 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), with more detailed specifications already outlined. These vehicles will be based on the KF41 Lynx and developed in 16 different variants, including infantry fighting vehicles, command vehicles, self-propelled mortars (120 mm and 81 mm), anti-tank missile carriers, artillery reconnaissance units, and military engineering support vehicles.

Additional variants are also planned to meet specific battlefield needs, including command vehicles for artillery, air defense systems, and reconnaissance vehicles intended for cavalry, infantry, and fire support. The program will also include medical evacuation vehicles, resupply units, and technical recovery vehicles. The total cost of this initiative is estimated to be around 16 billion euros.

Overall, the two programs represent a significant investment in Italy's defense capabilities, with a total expected cost exceeding 30 billion euros in the acquisition phase.