The multi-year program under consideration at the Italian Parliament is related to the modernization of the fleet of tanks of the Leopard line in the support versions of the Italian Army, including logistical support, training courses, simulators, materials and accessory equipment. This intervention is part of the broader set of initiatives launched by the Italian Army to have a heavy armored component in line with NATO’s renewed interest in “collective defense”.
As specified by the General Staff of Defense, the objective of the program is the modernization of leopard armored platforms in support versions, designed to guarantee combat support and logistical support primarily to heavy and medium units. The Italian Army has in fact Leopard platforms in the support versions (Recovery and Rescue, Pioneer, Bridge Thrower) that now have capacitive deficiencies also linked to the obsolescence of certain components. The current Leopard platforms supplied to the Army are in fact characterized by: high and progressive reduction in the level of efficiency and performance; limited protection against improvised explosive devices (lED), mines and hollow-loaded anti-tank weapons; poor suitability to support the maneuver of the Ariete tanks, already being modernized.
The modernization referred to in this draft decree is aimed at overcoming these critical issues and increasing the capabilities expressed by the platforms. The first phase of the program refers to the modernization of about 58 platforms (although the exact number of wagons that will be modernized and the distribution between the various versions may be subject to remodulations according to the hammer prices of the supply), divided as follows: – n. 24 Leopard platforms in the Recovery and Rescue version; – n. 16 Leopard platforms in the Pioneer version; – n. 18 Leopard Bridge Thrower platforms.
This intervention will allow to equip the regiments of the heavy maneuvering brigades of the Army (Ariete and Garibaldi) with tanks more suitable for the operations they are called to carry out. With reference to the technical characteristics, the Defense points out that the modernized tanks will be characterized by the following capabilities, technical specifications and performance, making them able to: – ensure the survival of the crew in the face of attacks carried out by portable short, medium and long range anti-tank weapon systems, by mines and improvised explosive devices, due to specific interventions aimed at increasing ballistic protection, anti-mine and anti-IED (Improvised Explosive Devices); – operate in all climatic and lighting conditions; – provide specialized support to the maneuvering units in terms of mobility and more effective logistical support thanks to interventions to increase engine power, update the transmission system, suspension, braking and on-board systems; – increase the active defense capacity through the installation and integration of a remote turret; – operate in a net-centric environment, seeking the highest level of interoperability, in line with the function of the specific platform.
Each version will be equipped with specific equipment and systems and in particular: – the Recovery and Rescue tank will be equipped with a crane arm with lifting capacity and a winch, able to recover crashed / inefficient vehicles and allow the replacement of overalls such as the powertrain or the complete tower of heavy / armored vehicles; – the Pioneer tank will be equipped with equipment able to guarantee the execution of works, earthmoving on the battlefield through a front dozer blade and a multipurpose mechanical arm (bucket, demolition hammer, etc.).
Such a platform will also be equipped with mechanical systems for overcoming active obstacles; – the Bridge Thrower tank will be equipped with a system capable of deploying, both day and night, a metal assault bridge with a capacity suitable for the passage of light, medium and heavy armored platforms. For systems and materials, logistical support is provided to ensure the appropriate level of operational availability of the fleet, structured in such a way as to provide the user departments with the logistical capabilities – in terms of training, use of the system, maintenance and repair activities – necessary for the maintenance of the platform during its technical life, taking into account that the maintenance/system operator personnel are already trained on the vehicle in its current configuration and will only have to carry out capacity upgrade activities according to the new systems that will be installed on the vehicles.
The logistical plans to be developed on the basis of studies and technical and logistical analyses must guarantee, in terms of cost/effectiveness of the logistical resources acquired, an operational availability of the park of not less than 80%. The introduction into service of the modernized vehicles will be accompanied by the establishment of specific training courses, by the Company, and the simultaneous revision of the training programs in place to adapt them to the new capabilities. The program will cover the training and training of all components (crews, operators, maintainers) in various capacities interested in the program.
The modernized platforms “Leopard” must be able to cooperate with the rotated platforms VBM 8×8 “Freccia”, Nuova Blindo Centauro, VTLM “Lince” and VTMM “Orso”, as well as tracked “Dardo” and wagon “Ariete” in the operating theaters with a higher degree of risk, characterized by high ballistic threat and improvised explosive devices. The interoperability of the command, control and navigation systems of the “Leopard” platforms with NATO partners must be guaranteed in compliance with the standardization agreements ratified by Italy.
The program is designed according to a multiannual development plan planned to start in 2022 and is expected to end in 2030. The total cost of the program is 365 M€. The expenditure relating to the first phase, for a total amount of € 192 million, is financed by the appropriations from the chapters of the investment sector of the Ministry of Defense. The first phase, as mentioned, will allow the modernization of approximately 58 platforms and will guarantee an initial operational capacity to the units (mainly units of the genius) to which the modernized wagons are intended. The completion of the program, for the remaining forecast value of € 173 million, will be achieved through subsequent measures aimed at modernizing the Leopard line in the support versions.