When will Argentina receive its modernized tanks?

SANTIAGO, Chile — The Argentine Military will start receiving its first modernized 2CA2 medium tanks in September, with a dozen to be delivered by yr’s finish, navy sources in Buenos Aires advised Protection Information.

The extra detailed affirmation follows a touch from the president throughout a June 20 occasion within the capital. In entrance of attendees, Argentine President Javier Milei requested Defence Minister Luis Petri: “Is it true that we are going to have new toys?”

“Sure, Mr. President,” Petri replied. ”We’ll begin receiving the modernized tanks this yr.”

This system is predicted to be price $30 million and contain the modernization of 74 of Argentina’s current 200-plus medium tanks by 2027. The preliminary funds for this effort is $3 million, however the authorities plans to allocate more cash between fiscal 2025 and financial 2027, the sources stated, talking on the situation of anonymity as a result of they weren’t licensed to debate this system.

Argentina launched the tank improve mission in 2010 underneath a cooperation settlement with Israel the place Elbit Techniques would supply technological assist to the South American nation. For its half, Argentine personal corporations concerned within the steel mechanic sector would take part.

The preliminary funds was authorized in 2021, and contracts had been finalized by July 2023 following a technical and operational analysis of the ultimate prototype. Work began in late 2023.

“One of many essential priorities of President Javier Milei is rebuilding the capabilities of Argentina’s armed forces, uncared for by governments for the reason that Eighties and Nineties, and much more after the monetary meltdown of 2000,” based on Emilio Meneses, an unbiased analyst based mostly in Santiago, Chile.

“Milei desires to make a distinction. The current procurement of F-16s, coupled with the choice to part out older fighter jets just like the A-4AR and the Tremendous Etendard, confirms his priorities — and it’s the similar with the improve of the [medium tank],” Meneses advised Protection Information.

In line with the navy sources, the Military want to modernize as much as 50 extra medium tanks over these already earmarked within the present program.

What are the upgrades?

The tank modernizations are anticipated to enhance the 2CA2 medium tank’s detection, focusing on, engagement and harmful capabilities. To that finish, Elbit is offering a brand new fireplace management system and related know-how.

The principle native subcontractor, IMPSA, which makes a speciality of precision engineering and the manufacturing of elements for nuclear reactors, is refurbishing and modifying the turrets, changing the unique hydraulic motion system with a brand new, indigenously designed servo-electric model that features improved stabilization and response.

IMPSA can be integrating the brand new fireplace management and subsystems supplied by Elbit. These embrace the Israeli agency’s E-LAWS laser warning system, which might concurrently detect as much as 10 threats, establishing an order of priorities for engagement.

Every tank is to obtain two COAPS-L sight methods — one for the tank commander place and one for the aimer — fitted with optronics for thermal detection and imaginative and prescient in addition to laser range-finding. The methods present a day and night time, all-weather capability for goal acquisition and monitoring. The driving force place is being fitted with a thermal imaginative and prescient system.

They may even obtain a brand new communications suite, each for inside and exterior communications, with knowledge switch capabilities, in addition to an auxiliary generator to safe electrical energy provide for digital methods.

The tank’s essential weapon isn’t altering; it’s presently a Rheinmetall-made RH-105-30 105mm gun, manufactured underneath license by the native state-owned agency Fabricaciones Militares.

Safety enhancements are presently on maintain. Nonetheless, the plan is to make use of a custom-designed, add-on applique armor proposed by Israeli firm IMI, which is now part of Elbit.

Arsenal Battalion 602, the Military’s essential upkeep and assist middle for mechanized tools, will use its services at Boulogne-Sur-Mer to finish any remaining work, testing and acceptance efforts of the upgraded tanks.