The C1 Ariete is an Italian main battle tank developed and produced by the Iveco-Oto Melara consortium. It is the main battle tank of the Italian Army and was first deployed in 1995. The C1 Ariete is a modern tank, equipped with a 120mm
The C1 Ariete is a 3rd generation main battle tank of the Italian Army, developed by Consorzio Iveco Oto Melara (CIO), a consortium formed by Iveco and OTO Melara. The chassis and engine were produced by Iveco, while the turret and fire-control system were supplied by OTO Melara. The vehicle carries the latest optical and digital-imaging and fire-control systems, enabling it to fight day and night and to fire on the move. Six prototypes were developed by 1988, which were subject to intensive testing. The following year the vehicles travelled a combined 16,000 km. Deliveries were first planned for 1993, and took place in 1994 due to delays. The final tank was delivered seven years later, in August 2002.