The Italian Army is launching an extensive modernization program to strengthen its armored warfare capabilities. Speaking at the “Future Armored Vehicles Survivability Conference” in London, Lieutenant Colonel Salvatore Bizzarro from the Italian General Staff outlined the country’s plans to both upgrade existing platforms and develop new-generation systems.

As part of this initiative, 125 Ariete main battle tanks will undergo modernization, while the Dardo infantry fighting vehicles will receive upgrades to extend their operational lifespan. In parallel, Italy has also expressed interest in the Franco-German Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) program, which is expected to play a central role in meeting Italy’s future main battle tank requirements.

Another cornerstone of Italy’s modernization strategy is the AICS (Armored Infantry Combat System) project. Under this program, 1,050 next-generation armored vehicles will be developed with a modular and open-architecture design. These vehicles will be equipped with advanced protection systems capable of countering not only kinetic threats but also cyber and electromagnetic attacks, ensuring resilience in modern battlefield environments.

This dual approach—modernizing current platforms while investing in next-generation systems—is expected to significantly increase the Italian Army’s operational flexibility and battlefield effectiveness. Moreover, it will enhance Italy’s role in both regional and global security, while contributing to the growth of the Italian defense industry and fostering international collaboration.