NEWTOWN, Conn. - The Argentinean Army has presented a modernized prototype of its Medium Argentinean Tank (TAM) after two years of work. The modernization program consisted of two phases. The first phase lasted nine months and included feasibility studies and contract signing. The second phase took one year and seven months to complete and consisted of structural studies, component design and manufacturing, and the production of the first TAM 2C prototype.
Under a closed contract issued to Israeli company Elbit Systems in October 2011, an unspecified number of the Army's fleet of about 230 TAMs will be upgraded. Work includes replacing the vehicle's hydraulic systems, and the installation of a digital Battlefield Management System as well as a day/night thermal camera driver for the tank commander and pointer. Other improvements include an upgraded onboard radio and the installation of an Elbit laser and radar warning system. An auxiliary power system will also be installed, and the vehicle's protection level will be improved.
The Army took delivery of the first TAM 2C prototype in early March 2013.
Argentina's fleet of TAMs was delivered between 1979 and 1985 before production lines were shut down. The tanks were developed by Thyssen Henschel of West Germany and built in Argentina. They are based on the Marder MICV and replaced the Army's Sherman tanks.
