Headquartered in Florida, the Twitter news account SA Defensa recently shared an update regarding the Argentine military’s latest venture. To gain proficiency with the native-built 105mm 2CA2 medium tank, the army has embarked on a rigorous training regime. This new initiative begins with the clear objective of equipping specialized personnel with essential know-how. Their role in the near future? To serve as instructors for fledgling Argentine tank squads. The training is set to occur at the Arsenal Battalion 602 in Boulogne-sur-Mer.
Here’s a fascinating tidbit from BulgarianMilitary.com that sheds light on a bit of history. Not too long ago – specifically on the 3rd of March this year – the previously mentioned 602nd battalion welcomed their first revamped 2CA2 tank. Who made this transformation happen? None other than Elbit Systems, a company hailing from Israel. The goal of this particular upgrade, as per SA Defensa, was to bring the Argentine tank brigades up to speed with 21st-century warfare.
TAM 2CA2 upgrade
As we delve into the realm of defense technology, it’s crucial to highlight the cutting-edge TAM 2CA2 – a state-of-the-art development of the TAM 2C. This innovation, launched in 2023, is currently undergoing the rigorous testing process of the Argentine Army, promising an enhanced level of electronic and optical capabilities compared to its predecessor, the TAM 2C.
This revolutionary machine is equipped with a new gunner’s sight, inspired by the COAPS [Commander Open Architecture Panoramic Sight] from the technological giant, Elbit Systems. This advanced equipment promises clear visibility during day and night, superior long-range target engagement capabilities, improved sensor performance, and enhanced thermal sights, among other remarkable features.
But that’s not all. The TAM 2CA2 advances its operational functionality by integrating a hunter-killer system for the commander. This added feature enables commanders to autonomously track targets, completely independent of the gunner’s actions. This ambitious project plans an upgrade of 74 TAM and TAM 2C units to the superior TAM 2CA2 model in the next seven years, extending to 2030.
TAM 2CA2 firing tests
In May of the previous year, at the Magdalena Tank Shooting Range, the Defense Minister supervised the system configuration and firing tests of the Medium Argentine Tank [TAM] in its TAM 2CIP2 version.
The Argentine Ministry of Defense predicted in 2023, “This advancement will enable us to utilize cutting-edge armored vehicles, built for both training and warfare, a result of our collaboration with IMPSA. All of this was made possible by the National Defense Fund.”
About TAM 2CA2
The TAM 2CA2 is a compact tank, measuring approximately 6.75 meters in length, 3.25 meters in width, and 2.42 meters in height. It has a combat weight of around 30.5 tons, making it lighter than most main battle tanks, but heavier than most light tanks. Technically, the TAM 2C A2 is equipped with advanced systems that improve its combat capabilities. It features a new fire control system, thermal imaging for both the gunner and commander and a laser rangefinder. The tank also possesses a modernized communication system and an indispensable air conditioning system, crucial for operations in hot climates.
Mobility in the TAM 2C A2 is courtesy of an MTU MB 833 Ka-500 diesel engine, delivering an impressive 720 horsepower. This powerful engine allows the tank to attain a top speed of around 75 km/h on the road and 45 km/h off-road. The tank’s mobility is further enhanced by a six-speed automatic transmission. The TAM 2C A2 boasts an operational range of approximately 500 kilometers, thanks to its efficient fuel capacity of 1,200 liters, letting the tank conduct extended operations without frequent refueling.
The TAM 2C A2’s armament includes a 105mm L7A3 gun capable of firing a variety of ammunition types. Additionally, it houses a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun. This robust tank can conveniently carry up to 50 rounds for the main gun and 2,000 rounds for the machine guns.
The Argentine tanks
The Argentine Army has a variety of light tanks in its arsenal, the majority of which are domestically produced. One particular light tank in their inventory is the SK-105 Kürassier, an Austrian-made vehicle. What makes the SK-105 Kürassier extraordinary is its use of a rifled gun in an oscillating turret. Approximately 118 of these tanks can be found with the Argentine Army.
Additionally, the Argentine Army also boasts the M3 Stuart light tank – an American-made tank hailing from the World War II era. Despite its age, the M3 Stuart continues to serve in the Argentine Army, albeit in limited numbers. The exact quantity, however, has not been publicly disclosed.
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