Armée Italienne/Forze Armate Italiane

Citation :

03/10/2021

Des Piaggio P180 additionnels pour l’armée de l’air italienne !



Le Ministère de la Défense italien a signé hier l'acquisition de six avions Piaggio P180 (VC-180) pour l’armée de l’air. Le contrat est estimé à une valeur de 171 millions d'euros.

Le Piaggio P-180 (nommé VC-180 au sein de l’aeronautica militare ) est un avion à hélices bi-turbine extrêmement polyvalent utilisé par l'armée de l'air italienne pour l'exécution de diverses tâches institutionnelles. Il est notamment utilisé par le Multi Crew Training Center (CAE Multicrew) pour la formation et la formation des Pilotes Militaires destinés aux lignes de transport de l'AM, par le 14° Stormo pour l'activité de Mesures Radio et par le 31° Stormo pour les besoins de la Direction de la Protection Civile. Orienté vers le marché Executive, le P-180 est extrêmement bien conçu car il offre les performances d'un avion à double flux de la même catégorie mais avec l'économie des turbopropulseurs. Le concept inspirant du projet est la recherche d'une efficacité maximale soulignée avant tout par les lignes fluides particulières du fuselage et par le profil du nez avec une forme continue et de grandes surfaces vitrées. La configuration propulsive avec les hélices de poussée garantit à l'avion de faibles niveaux de bruit dans la cabine. L'avion offre la possibilité de pratiquer la conduite de vol asymétrique et permet de passer d'une conduite de base à une utilisation pleinement opérationnelle, grâce à l'utilisation des multiples systèmes automatisés embarqués.

Photo : VC-180 @ AM

http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2021/10/03/des-piaggio-p180-additionnels-pour-l-armee-de-l-air-italienn-871815.html

Citation :

Monday, October 18, 2021

Italian Army's 4th Alpine @ Lake of Garda training area.    






https://www.snafu-solomon.com/2021/10/italian-armys-4th-alpine-lake-of-garda.html

Citation :

First crews of Italian Army Cavalry School qualify on Centauro II MGS tank destroyer

Defense News October 2021 Global Security army industry

POSTED ON MONDAY, 18 OCTOBER 2021 14:54


The first crews of the Italian Army's Cavalry School on their new Centauro II MGS 120mm tank destroyer have been qualified, with a shooting session as the final phase of the course. The training course was carried on with IVECO-OTO technicians.



One of the first qualified crews of Italian Army's Cavalry School on Centauro II (Picture source: Twitter account of Ciro Nappi)


The Centauro II MGS (Main Gun System) 120 mm/105 mm is a modernized version of the Centauro I 8x8 anti-tank wheeled vehicle. It was presented for the first time to the public during Eurosatory 2016. it was the first 8x8 anti-tank vehicle in the world armed with a high-pressure gun. Centauro II represents the logical evolution, being armed with a third-generation 120/45 mm gun, with an integrated muzzle brake and semi-automatic loading system. The weapon system provides firepower equivalent to that of most modern main battle tanks and is capable of firing all the latest generation 120 mm, NATO APFSDS, and multi-role MP munitions.

Centauro II marks a major step forward compared to the previous Centauro I, in terms of firepower, battlefield observation capability, mobility, shooting conduct, communication as well as increased crew protection. Equipped with a modern powerpack of over 700HP and an H-transmission, typical of 8x8 armored vehicles, the new platform uses an all-digital architecture and a new generation turret with a 120mm cannon and Command and Control Communication systems. The result is an innovative wheeled armored platform capable of operating in every scenario: from national security missions to peacekeeping and support operations including all interventions involving the Italian Armed Forces.

In June 2020, the Italian Ministry of Defense has approved an order for 40 Centauro II. The Italian Ministry of Defence announced on May 28, 2020, that it had authorized the award of a production contract to the IVECO-OTO-Melara consortium for the second batch of 40 Centauro II wheeled tank destroyers, with an option on a further 56. In July 2018, Italian Company Leonardo has announced the signature of a contract with the Italian Ministry of Defense for the acquisition of the first 10 new Centauro II armored vehicles. That was the first tranche out of a total of 136 units. The contract also includes spares and logistic support. In December 2020, the Italian has ordered 86 Centauro IIs.



A shooting session with the Centauro II new crews closed the training session (Picture source: Twitter account of Ciro Nappi)



Gunner position in a Centauro II MGS (Picture source: Twitter account of Ciro Nappi)



Commander position in a Centauro II MGS (Picture source: Twitter account of Ciro Nappi)

 https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_october_2021_global_security_army_industry/first_crews_of_italian_army_cavalry_school_qualify_on_centauro_ii_mgs_tank_destroyer.html  

Italian Army mechanized brigade during drills. Important mention for:
- VBM Freccia mortar carrier AMC.
- VBM Freccia anti-tank configuration firing Spike LR ATGM. https://t.co/AdUrVCJhHN pic.twitter.com/3RqYqmzIb5

— Ciro Nappi (@CiroNappi6) December 5, 2021

Tactical group of VBM Freccia mortar carrier AMC shooting with his TDA 2R2M 120mm semi-automatic mortar. pic.twitter.com/AlF7dqrfX0

— Ciro Nappi (@CiroNappi6) December 6, 2021

Spike on the target. pic.twitter.com/FoPUQRgCNl

— Ciro Nappi (@CiroNappi6) December 6, 2021

Beretta ARX160 5.56 NATO assault rifle with GLX160 grenade launcher underbarrel, scope and laser aim device (soldier in the distance in the first photo) and handgrip. During recent drills of Italian Army. pic.twitter.com/IRt1IXcTe1

— Ciro Nappi (@CiroNappi6) December 6, 2021

IX° Col Moschin, HALO jump. pic.twitter.com/TZx0b777x8

— Ciro Nappi (@CiroNappi6) December 8, 2021

The first three prototypes of Leonardo AW249 are under advanced construction phases. In November 2020, Italian Army planned the purchase of first four machines in FOC configuration (Full Operation Capability), also the three prototypes will be retrofitted in FOC configuration. https://t.co/bSEXPZaWeV pic.twitter.com/1hf5r2oMNH

— Ciro Nappi (@CiroNappi6) January 6, 2022

Citation :

Fincantieri starts construction of the first Italian U212NFS submarine

Naval News January 2022 Navy Forces Maritime Defense Industry

POSTED ON TUESDAY, 11 JANUARY 2022 16:36


According to a press release published by Fincantieri on January 11, 2021, production activities for the first of 2 new-generation submarines, as part of the U212NFS (Near Future Submarine) acquisition program of the Italian Navy, started at the Muggiano (La Spezia) shipyard.



Artist rendering of the future U212NFS (Picture source: OCCAR)


The program, which also envisages relevant in-service support, an option for 2 additional units, as well as the creation of a Training Center, is led by OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Cooperation en matiere d’Armement, the international organization for joint armament cooperation), in line with the most innovative management procedures, through-life management, and risk management.

The project is an evolution of the U212A program carried out in cooperation with the German thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, which resulted in the production of 4 submarines for Italy – “Todaro”, “Scirè”, “Venuti” and “Romei”, delivered by Fincantieri between 2006 and 2017 – and 6 for Germany.

According to highly reliable analyses, the technological content of these air-independent propulsion submarines determined the shift in the balance between nuclear and conventional vessels in the postwar period.

The new submarines will be highly innovative, with significant design modifications which will all be developed independently by Fincantieri.

The U212NFS program, which envisages the first two deliveries in 2027 and 2029, responds to the need to secure adequate underwater spatial surveillance and control capacity, considering the future complex scenarios of underwater operations and that the operational lifetime of the 4 “Sauro” class submarines, currently in service, is drawing near.

It also aims at upholding and further developing Fincantieri’s acquired strategic and innovative industrial know-how, as well as consolidating the technological lead attained by the company and its supply chain, major industries, and small and medium-sized enterprises of the sector, enhancing the presence on board of technologically advanced component parts developed by Italian industries.

The German Type 212 class (U212), also known as the Italian Todaro class, is a diesel-electric submarine developed by the German company Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft AG (HDW) for the German and Italian navies. Currently, four Type 212 submarines are in service with the Italian Navy and six with the German Navy.

The Type U212 NFS Todaro Class Batch-III (Near Future Submarine) is a development of Type-212A. The submarine is equipped with fuel cell Air Independent Power (AIP) with Lithium-Ion batteries of Italian production, which makes them among the most stealthy submarines anywhere.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2022/january/11242-fincantieri-starts-construction-of-the-first-italian-u212nfs-submarine.html

Citation :

IVECO - OTO Melara to supply VBM Plus 8x8 armored vehicles to Italian Army

Defense News January 2022 Global Security army industry

POSTED ON WEDNESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2022 13:03


According to information published on January 17, 2022, the Italian Iveco - Oto Melara Consortium (CIO) announces the signing of a contract to supply 14 Mortar Carrier VBMs, 26 Command Post VBMs (13 in Tactical Unit and 13 in Command Unit version), along with six “10x10” rescue and recovery vehicles to the Italian army.

Source Article IVECO-Oto Melara: Signed on 30 December 2021, at the Secretary of Defence (Segredifesa) Land Armaments Directorate, the contract comes as part of the ongoing supply (“Phase 2”) of Medium Armoured Vehicles to the Italian Army’s Second Medium Brigade, and includes an upgrade to “PLUS” version for the VBM platform, as well as long-term integrated logistics support for all platforms purchased.

The VBM Combat “PLUS” version will see changes to both the vehicle and the turret. Changes to the vehicle include upgrading to common rail technology for the engine, taking it from 550 HP to 660 HP ready for a future hybrid-electric traction system, and upgrades to the driveline, increasing growth potential by up to 15% compared to current levels.

Concerning the turret, Leonardo is upgrading the fire control system, introducing latest generation electronic components capable of interfacing the new “Janus D” and “Lothar D” digital optic detection and aiming systems. The contract also includes the supply of a new digital intercom system and a fully upgraded CIS system with four-channel SDR VQ1 radio, as well as the new C2D / N Evo Command and Control system, both developed by Leonardo.

The new VBM PLUS distinguishes itself by increased mobility, lethality and integrated C4I, allowing the Italian Army to face the challenges of the coming years with a truly state-of-the-art vehicle, integrated into the net-centric architecture of the digital battlefield. The vehicle will also be equipped with Galileo PRS technology developed in Italy as part of the European Union secure satellite navigation system. In specific terms this means the VBM will be equipped with a newly developed satellite receiver, the first of its kind capable of receiving secure satellite navigation services from both the US GPS and European Galileo PRS systems.

The Iveco Defence Vehicles Recovery and Rescue platforms feature all-wheel drive over 5 axles, with three steering axles, FPT Industrial's 680 HP Cursor 16 engine and a new-design cabin offering the highest crew protection standards. These vehicles can lift and move loads of up to 25 t from a stable platform and recover vehicles broken down, damaged or overturned with an overall weight of up to 32 tons.

 https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_january_2022_global_security_army_industry/iveco_-_oto_melara_to_supply_vbm_plus_8x8_armored_vehicles_to_italian_army.html  

Tank sunday.
Ariete C1 MBTs on maneuvers. pic.twitter.com/crM3nuJdZB

— Ciro Nappi (@CiroNappi6) January 23, 2022

Commander of USAF in Europe General Harrigian visited the 61th Wing of Italian Air Force and took part in a training mission onboard of a M346 Master advanced jet. Gen. Harrigian appreciated the high technology level of these machines and the excellence reached in the training. pic.twitter.com/9UGuT9uCkX

— Ciro Nappi (@CiroNappi6) January 22, 2022

Citation :

30/01/2022

L'armée de l'air italienne relance le MC-27J Praetorian !



http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2022/01/30/l-armee-de-l-air-italienne-relance-le-mc-27j-praetorian%C2%A0-872441.html

Citation :

JAN 31

Italian army presents serial production of Centauro II 120mm MGS 8x8 Mobile Gun System    

According to a picture published on the Twitter account Ciro Nappi on January 30, 2022, the Italian army presents the serial production of the
Centauro 2, 8x8 MGS (Mobile Gun System). In December 2020, the Italian army has announced the signature of a contract with the consortium
Iveco – Oto Melara for the purchase of 86 Centauro 2.



Serial production of Centauro II Mobile Gun System for the Italian army. (Picture source Twitter account Ciro Nappi)


http://worlddefencenews.blogspot.com/2022/01/italian-army-presents-serial-production.html  

Citation :

Italian army starts trials of upgraded C1 Ariete AMV MBT Main Battle Tank

weapons defence industry military technology UK

POSTED ON FRIDAY, 04 FEBRUARY 2022 18:01


According to a Tweet published by Ciro Nappi on January 31, 2022, the Italian army has started the trials of upgraded C1 Ariete AMV (Aggiornamento Mezza Vita) Main Battle Tank (MBT). The AMV program will attempt to extend the life of the C1 Ariete up until 2030/2035, whereby then it is presumed that a new design will take over.



The upgraded C1 Ariete AMV Main Battle Tank for the Italian army will be fitted with a new engine and optronics.
(Picture source Twiter account Ciro Nappi)


Citing information from the "War Thunder" forum, the C1 Ariete AMV program will feature 3 prototypes at first, the AMV PT1, which will feature improvements to the hull, the PT2 which will feature improvements to the turret, and finally the PT3 which will incorporate improvements to both the turret and hull.

The improvements in the PT1 are as follows; increase in power from 1250 to 1500 horsepower, sadly this was not obtained with the installation of a new engine, but instead with the application of an upgrade kit on the current engines that the C1 Ariete utilize, which were completely disassembled and rebuilt with the constitution of numerous new elements, most of which derive from the V8 of the B2 Centauro II. One of the other ways its better protected is thanks to the installation of the Anti-IED/Mine kit. The crankcase is also the same, but the displacement has been increased from 26 to 30 liters, by changing cylinders, pistons and crankshaft, increasing the stroke of the cylinders. In order to better receive and manage the greater power offered by the improved engine, called V12AMV for now, changes would also be made on the automatic gearbox produced under license from the German ZF, this provided the necessary calculations for the changes necessary to receive the greatest torque and its distribution.

Among that, the PT1 will feature improvements to the breaking system, the adoption of a new track (for now it's presumed to be the DST 570 P0, the current C1 Ariete use the DST 840 E0) which is 20% wider than the previous one, it allows the tank to have a smaller footprint and makes it much easier to overcome soft soils. Suspensions and shock absorbers have not been replaced, but only overhauled. Much more improvements will be added to the C1 Ariete AMV but for PT1 they're irrelevant, due to the PT1 only receiving the improvements to the hull.

According to information published on the Twitter account of Ciro Nappi, the C1 Ariete AMB (MBT) will be equipped with Leonardo optronics also mounted on the Centauro 2 MGS (Mobile Gun System).

The C1 Ariete is a Main Battle Tank (MBT) jointly developed by the Italian companies Oto Melara and IVECO based on Italian army requirements. The first prototype of the Ariete was completed in 1986 and by 1988 all six prototypes had been completed and trials by the Italian Army and the manufacturer were well underway. The first production Ariete MBT was delivered late in 1995 and the final production vehicles were delivered to the Italian Army in 2002.

The C1 Ariete has a conventional design for a modern MBT with the driver's compartment front right, the turret in the center, and the powerpack at the rear. The tank has a crew of four with a driver, commander, gunner, and loader. The C1 Ariete has a combat weight of 54,000 kg.

The main armament of the C1 Ariete consists of one Oto Melara 120 mm 44 caliber smoothbore gun fitted with a muzzle reference system, thermal sleeve, and fume extractor. The second armament of the tank includes one 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, mounted to the left of the main armament, and one 7.62mm machine gun mounted on the turret roof. A bank of four 80 mm electrically operated, forward-firing smoke grenade dischargers, is mounted on each side of the turret firing towards the front.

The original C1 Ariete is motorized with an IVECO V-12 MTCA, turbocharged, intercooled, 12-cylinder diesel engine developing 1,300 hp at 2,300 rpm coupled to a Renk LSG 3000 automatic transmission with 4 forward and 2 reverse gears. The tank can reach a maximum road speed of 65 km/h with a cruising range of over 550 km.


Italian army C1 Ariete MBT Main Battle Tank (Picture source Army Recognition)

https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/italian_army_starts_trials_of_ugraded_c1_ariete_amv_mbt_main_battle_tank.html

Citation :

PUBLICATION : 6 FÉVRIER 2022 DERNIÈRE MISE À JOUR : 06 FÉVRIER 2022



Le dernier JEDI d’AMI

Outre les séries MM62221/46-85 et MM62224/46-89, une troisième Aeronautica Militare (AMI, Armée de l’air italienne) YEC-27J JEDI est dans le ciel.

Le YEC-27J JEDI (Jamming and Electronic Defense Instrumentation) est la variante de guerre électronique de l’avion de transport régulier Alenia (maintenant Leonardo) C-27J Spartan.

Le JEDI a été annoncé en 2010, avec son premier vol le 25 avril 2014. Les JEDI sont des C-27J standard convertis et n’ont guère l’air différents de leurs frères de transport. La différence la plus évidente sur le JEDI est un certain nombre d’antennes sous le fuselage avant et quelques-unes sous la section de queue.

Le troisième YEC-27J JEDI, immatriculation temporaire CSX62225/46-90 et numéro de construction 4136, a déjà été noté lors d’un vol d’essai au départ de Turin-Caselle (TO) le 24 novembre 2021.

Le YEC-27J a été développé pour mener des missions de surveillance, de protection et de soutien dans le spectre électromagnétique. Dans le détail, le JEDI est en mesure de couvrir un large éventail de missions telles que la perturbation des communications radio et, en particulier, les détonateurs à distance couramment utilisés sur les engins explosifs improvisés (EEI) et le soutien aux opérations de récupération du personnel. Des équipements « roll-on/roll-off » spécialement développés et montés sur des palettes STANDARD de l’OTAN permettent de reconfigurer rapidement l’avion pour des missions JEDI ou de transport, mais cela est rarement exécuté.


Photo de Luca Xavier Bozzo (via jetphotos.com)

https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/ami-s-latest-jedi

Citation :

 LAST UPDATED: 09 MARCH 2022




New Gulfstream for Italian Air Force


In 2020, The Italian Ministry of Defence published their multi-year planning document for 2020 - 2022 (Documento Programmatico Pluriennale 2020-2022) showing a major boost to its defence budget.
One of the priorities was the C4ISTAR platform (Command, Control, Communications, Computer, Information/Intelligence, Surveillance and TARgeting) that is based on the Gulfstream G550. As a result of this priority, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) approved a possible foreign military sale to the Italian government of two Gulfstream G550 CAEW on 15 December 2020.
On 7 March 2022, the first example landed at Pratica di Mare (RM) air base near Rome after a nine-hour flight from Dallas (TX). Gulfstream G550 serrial MM62329 and code 14-13 (construction number 5581 with former Gulfstream test registration N991JS, built in 2019) is most probably already modified by L3Harris to Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Electronic Warfare (AISREW), but lacks the huge external modifications and antennas.



The Aeronautica Militare (ItAF, Italian Air Force) already operates two Gulfstream E-550A Conformal Airborne Early Warning (CAEW) aircraft (serials MM62293 and MM62303). These aircraft were purchased from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in 2012 as part of a swap deal under which Israel purchased thirty Aermacchi (now Leonardo) M346 advanced jet trainers.
The new Gulfstream G550 (MM62329) was delivered in full Aeronautica Militare markings and was already furnished with a large emblem on its tail to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 71° Gruppo, which is based at Pratica di Mare (RM).
With this new Joint Airborne Multi-Sensor Multi-mission System (JAMMS), the Italian Air Force has a C4ISTAR platform equipped with modern sensors for real-time sharing of information. Not only to collect and share data and information more efficiently, but also battle management for the digital battlefield.


Photo by Gulfstream Guy


New Gulfstream for Italian Air Force (scramble.nl)

Citation :

 LAST UPDATED: 29 AUGUST 2022

Israel Aerospace Industries signs contract with Italy for two special mission aircraft  




Signals intelligence (SIGINT) is a somewhat ‘dark’ intelligence-gathering by interception of signals, whether communications between people (communications intelligence—abbreviated to COMINT) or from electronic signals not directly used in communication (electronic intelligence—abbreviated to ELINT).

Signals intelligence became a substantial aspect of intelligence collection management. Traffic analysis, the study of who is signaling whom and in what quantity, is also used to integrate information again.

Most Air Forces have dedicated aircraft full of sensors and radars and the Aeronautica Militare (ItAF, Italian Air Force) was no exception. But with the withdrawal of their Alenia G222VS MM62107 construction number 4012 in 2012, they faced an intelligence gap.

They solved the problem with the Lockheed Martin (former Grumman) Gulfstream III N30LX construction number 438 ‘Dragon Star’, which was acquired for one year under a leased flight hours contract from Lockheed Martin. The Gulfstream was stationed at the Aeronautica Militare 14° Stormo (Wing) at Pratica di Mare Air Base near Rome since the end of April 2012 and was operated by both Aeronautica Militare and Lockheed Martin crews.

This particular Gulfstream was a flying intelligence surveillance reconnaissance test bed from Lockheed Martin and equipped with an electro-optical sensor and ground data link, in addition to communications intelligence, electronic intelligence equipment.

As part of the contract, Lockheed crew provided sensor training to the Italian Armed Forces in Italy, while Aeronautica Militare pilots were trained in the United States. The aircraft was returned to Lockheed Martin in November 2013.

The training and experience resulted in a contract to buy two E-550As, which are based on the Lockheed Martin Gulfstream G550. They, MM62293/14-11 construction number 5429 and MM62303/14-12 construction number 5454, were delivered in 2016 and 2017 from the manufacturer at Savannah in the United States to IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries). The E-550A contract followed Israel’s decision to purchase 30 Leonardo (then Alenia) M-346 advanced jet trainers. IAI was responsible for the Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) multi-band radar system. Both aircraft were again stationed at the Aeronautica Militare 14° Stormo (Wing) at Pratica di Mare Air Base.

In 2020, the Italian Ministry of Defence published their multi-year planning document for 2020-2022 (Documento Programmatico Pluriennale) showing a major boost to its defense budget. One of the priorities was the C4ISTAR platform (Command, Control, Communications, Computer, Information/Intelligence, Surveillance and TARgeting) that is based on the Gulfstream G550.

As a result of this priority, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) approved a possible foreign military sale to the Italian government of two Gulfstream G550 CAEW on 15 December 2020. On 7 March 2022, the first example with Matricola Militare (military registration) MM62329/14-13 construction number 5581 landed at Pratica di Mare Air Base.

With this new Joint Airborne Multi-Sensor Multi-Mission System (JAMMS), the Italian Air Force has a C4ISTAR platform equipped with modern sensors for real-time sharing of information. Not only to collect and share data and information more efficiently, but also battle management for the digital battlefield.

In December 2020 the Italian Ministry of Defence again published plans to buy up to eight new Lockheed Martin Gulfstream signals intelligence aircraft and build a maintenance hub for similar aircraft operated by other nations around the Mediterranean. The plans, which were outlined in documents supplied to the Italian parliament, would reinforce Italy’s signals intelligence capability as the Mediterranean becomes a flashpoint for regional tensions with neighbors like Turkey, Egypt tussling over the future of lawless Libya and not to forget, the present war in Ukraine.

With up to ten Lockheed Martin Gulfstream G-550s in its fleet, Italy would build up a maintenance operation which would not only serve its own aircraft but be able to “offer services to the Gulfstream fleet operating in Europe and the Middle East, with about 200 jobs created,” the document stated. No indication was given about which company would be contracted to supply the two converted jets or carry out the conversion work on the other six, till now.

Israel Aerospace Industries has signed contracts with Italy worth about $550 million for the sale of two more G-550s, as well support and ground logistics services for the Aeronautica Militare. They will be similar to the Gulfstream V Nachshon Shavit aircraft that serves the Israeli Air Force.

Photo credit: Aeronautica Militare


https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/israel-aerospace-industries-signs-contract-with-italy-for-two-special-mission-aircraft  

Citation :

Italian army to extend Dardo IFV service life

Defense News September 2022 Global Security army industry

POSTED ON TUESDAY, 06 SEPTEMBER 2022 14:31


Last August 23, Ciro Nappi tweeted that the Italian army intends to extend the operational life of 135 Dardo IFVs to keep heavy capability until the next generation IFV enters service in 2026. Upgrade areas will be a more powerful engine, new optics and enhanced protection.



Dardo IFV (Picture source: Army Recognition)


Dardo is a tracked IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) jointly developed by the Italian companies Oto Melara and IVECO under the program named VCC-80. In May 2002, the first of 200 Dardo IFVs was formally handed over to the Italian Army at Oto Melara's La Spezia facility. This vehicle was delivered to the 8th Bersaglieri Regiment, part of the Garibaldi Brigade.

The troops' compartment can accommodate six infantrymen.. Over the frontal arc, the vehicle is protected against 25mm APDS projectiles. The side armor protects against 14.5mm API projectiles.

The turret of the Dardo is armed with an Oerlikon Contraves 25 mm KBA dual-feed cannon. A 7.62mm MG 42/59 machine is mounted coaxially on the left of the gun. Mounted on either side of the turret is a Raytheon TOW ATGW (Anti-Tank Guided Missile). This missile can destroy targets at a maximum firing range of 3,750 m. A bank of four 80 mm electrically-operated smoke grenade launchers is mounted on either side of the turret, firing forwards.

In November 2021, a first image was published on the Internet by the Italian Defense magazine "Rivista Italiana Difesa" showing a drawing of a design concept for the next generation of tracked armored IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) for the Italian Armoured Infantry Combat System (AICS) program, the Dardo's succesor.



Drawing of the design concept of future tracked armored IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle for the Italian Armoured Infantry Combat System AICS
program. (Picture source: Rivista Italiana Difesa)


 http://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_september_2022_global_security_army_industry/italian_army_to_extend_dardo_ifv_service_life.html

Citation :

  09/09/2022

L’Italie prépare le retrait des derniers AMX !  



L’Aeronautica Militare prépare le retrait de ses derniers exemplaires de l’AMX encore en service.  Surnommé "Ghibli", par les italiens, le petit avion d’attaque au sol n’équipera bientôt plus que la Force Aérienne Brésilienne (FAB).

Selon le commandant de la 51e Escadre d'Istrana, le colonel Emanuele Chiadroni. Les dernier AMX seront remplacés par des Eurofighter modernisés d’ici environ deux ans. La Force aérienne italienne compte encore 31 AMX monoplaces et 5 AMX biplaces sur les 136 appareils réceptionnés depuis 1989.

35 ans de service

A l’aube de 2024, les derniers AMX italiens auront atteint l’âge de 35 ans. Le premier exemplaire a été livré le 19 avril 1989 à l'unité d'évaluation « Reparto Sperimentale di Volo » (RSV) basé à Pratica di Aéroport de Mare, près de Rome. Le 311e Gruppo du RSV a pris en charge les six premiers exemplaires et a entamé une campagne d'essais intensifs de 1’ 500 heures de vol pour explorer l'ensemble du domaine de vol de l'avion et l’emploi de l’armement. Puis en octobre, les premiers exemplaires de série ont été livré l’Aeronautica Militare au sein du 103° Gruppo du 51° Stormo à Istrana.

L'AMX italo-brésilien est le seul avion d'attaque léger en service qui ne soit pas dérivé d'un avion d'entrainement. Conçu pour succéder au Fiat G.91 et équiper l'Aeronautica Militare Italiana (AMI), l'AMX a été lancé en 1978 par Aeritalia (alias Alenia) et Aermacchi, rejoints en 1980 par Embraer qui produisait l'Aermacchi MB 326 alias AT-26 Xavante sous licence pour la Força Aérea Brasileira (FAB). L'AMX monoplace a volé le 15 mai 1984. Propulsé par un turboréacteur Rolls-Royce Spey, l'actuel AMX est pourvu d'une avionique moderne comprenant un viseur tête-haute et d'un écran multifonction d'Alenia ainsi que d'une centrale inertielle Litton LN39. Il est équipé d'un télémètre-radar Elta EL/M-200 1B (AMI) ou Tecnasa/SMA SCP01 (FAB). Les versions italiennes et brésiliennes se distinguent aussi par leur armement fixe: un canon de 20 mm GE Vulcan M61 pour l'AMI ou deux canons GIAT DEFA 554 de 30 mm pour la FAB.


Photo : AMX monoplace & Biplace @ Aronautica Militare


http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2022/09/09/l-italie-prepare-le-retrait-des-derniers-amx%C2%A0-873559.html  

Citation :

LAST UPDATED: 06 NOVEMBER 2022





New tankers for the Italian Air Force


In July 2022, the Italian government published the most recent Documento Programmatico Pluriennale della Difesa (Defence Planning Document) for the three-year period 2022-2024.


The growth of the budget for the Armed Forces in general continues, set by the new document at 18 billion euros. One of the intentions of the Aeronautica Militare (ItAF, Italian Air Force) was to acquire two new KC-767A tanker aircraft to the latest configuration standard, based on the civilian Boeing 767-300 version currently in production at the Boeing company. Next to the acquiring of new KC-767As, the ItAF intended to modernize the current fleet of four KC-767As to the same standard as the new aircraft.
However, following the results received by a special commission intended to evaluate the project, the Directorate of Aeronautical Armaments and Airworthiness (ARMAEREO) decided in November 2022 that the only viable solution to meet the need is to acquire six new aircraft at the standard of the KC-46A Pegasus currently under construction for the USAF. The new Italian tankers will be defined KC-767B.
The USAF selected the KC-46A as the winner in the KC-X tanker competition to replace the older Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers. The first Pegasus was delivered in January 2019 and the USAF intends to procure 179 KC-46As by 2027.


The current KC-767A is based on the shorter commercial B767-200ER (Extended Range) version and were delivered between 2011 and 2012. The tankers are assigned to the 8° Gruppo (Squadron) of the 14° Stormo (Wing) and are based at Pratica di Mare air base near Rome.


Details of the current KC-767A fleet:
MM62226/14-01 (c/n 33686/912)
MM62227/14-02 (c/n 33687/930)
MM62228/14-03 (c/n 33688/941)
MM62229/14-04 (c/n 33689/952)


The programme will start in 2023 and will end in 2035. The total costst are valued at 1,1 billion euro and includes integrated logistic support for a period of five years and the acquisition of various accessory equipment for self-protection, datalink, communication, and other functions. During the same period, the four KC-767As will be returned to Boeing in exchange. A similar solution has already been adopted by Japan, which will also return its four KC-767Js and acquires six KC-46As.


Photo by Johan Mulder


New tankers for the Italian Air Force (scramble.nl)

Citation :

LAST UPDATED: 03 DECEMBER 2022





Leonardo delivers the last UH-90A to Italian Army Aviation


On 25 November 2022, Leonardo helicopters delivered the 60th and final UH-90A (NH Industries NH90) to the Aviazione dell’Esercito Italiano (AvEs, Italian Army Aviation).
This final aircraft, UH-90A Matricola Militare (military registration) MM81576 and coded E.I.259 (construction/customer number ITAR60), was assembled at Leonardo’s Venice Tessera facility, and was handed over to the operator during an official ceremony in presence of representatives.
The Aviazione dell’Esercito Italiano (AvEs, Italian Army Aviation) is one of the first and largest NH90 operators, with 31,096 flight hours logged in Italy and abroad to date. The UH-90As have played a critical role for years delivering outstanding operational capabilities, both in-country and abroad in demanding conditions with impressive availability rates and mission effectiveness.
The fleet is distributed over three main Italian Aviazione dell’Esercito Italiano bases, Viterbo (3° Reggimento Elicotteri per Operazioni Speciali 'Aldebaran' / Centro Addestrativo Aviazione dell'Esercito), Casarsa della Delizia (27° Gruppo Squadroni 'Mercurio' / 5° Reggimento Aviazione dell'Esercito 'Rigel') and Rimini/Miramare (25° Gruppo Squadroni 'Cigno' / 7° Reggimento Aviazione dell'Esercito 'Vega').
Its versatile configuration enables a range of missions, such as tactical troop transport, logistics support, special operations, cargo resupply and hoist operations, MEDEVAC (Medical Evacuation) and light tactical vehicle transport. The aircraft has also supported disaster relief and emergency response operations in years. In recent years, the collaboration between the Esercito Italiano (Italian Army) and Leonardo has further evolved with the capability to deliver NH90 crew training to other operators.


Photo by Leonardo Helicopters


Leonardo delivers the last UH-90A to Italian Army Aviation (scramble.nl)