Italy is ready to purchase the most modern version of the German Leopard 2A7 tanks to replace its own Ariete tanks.

The Italian media Agenparl reported about this, citing its own sources.

The expected amount of costs for the purchase of 250 tanks and logistical support is estimated at approximately €8 billion.

Presumably, the 132nd Armored Brigade “Ariete”, which is currently the only active tank brigade in the Italian army, could be a potential recipient of the ordered tanks.

Currently, the armed forces have 200 C1 Ariete main battle tanks manufactured by the Italian Iveco.

The Czech Army is advancing plans to acquire new Leopard 2 tanks. Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová stated that her country was considering purchasing up to 50 tanks in the 2A7+ variant from Germany.

Last month, Norway signed a contract for the production of 54 Leopard 2A7 tanks by the German Krauss-Maffei Wegmann Group and the option on an additional 18 units.

Leopard 2A7

Leopard 2A7 is a modern main battle tank developed by the German Krauss-Maffei. It is a modernized version of the Leopard 2A6 tank, which was introduced in 2001.

Leopard 2A7 is equipped with passive armor of the latest generation and protection of the bottom of the hull, which protects the crew in case of hitting mines and improvised explosive devices. The tank was able to install additional modules of overhanging armor or anti-RPG protection systems.

The Leopard 2A7 can be fitted with thick composite armor modules along the sides of the turret and hull. Armor modules provide protection against RPG-7, which, depending on the ammunition, can penetrate up to 600 millimeters of steel armor.

The main armament for serial versions of the Leopard 2A7 is the Rh-120 L/55 120-mm smoothbore gun by the Rheinmetall, with a barrel length of 55 calibers.

The tank received a modern EMES 15 fire control system with a stabilized main sight and double zoom. The primary sight has an integrated laser range finder and a Zeiss thermal imaging camera, both of which are connected to the tank’s fire control computer.

The commander has a stabilized panoramic periscopic sight Rheinmetall/Zeiss PERI-R 17 A2, designed for day/night observation and target identification. It provides a circular view with 360° rotation.