Following the recent visit to the Argentine Army’s General Directorate of Arsenals, during which Zona Militar had the opportunity to interview the Director General of Materiel, we were able to address the service’s expectations regarding the incorporation of new capabilities, initiatives supported by acquisition, recovery, and modernization projects. One example is the TAM 2C-A2, a program that is expected to have a second operational squadron during the current year.
The TAM 2C-A2 is one of the most relevant modernization and recovery projects for the Argentine Army’s armored cavalry capabilities, an initiative aimed at fielding an updated armored weapon system, not only through the incorporation of state-of-the-art technologies, but also through the service life extension provided by the work being carried out by Arsenal Battalion 602.
Expectations surrounding the program are multifaceted: from the delivery of a new operational TAM 2C-A2 squadron in 2026, to a possible expansion of the project, which would not only benefit the TAM armored combat vehicle fleet, but could also be replicated across other members of the family. Although the latter remain under consideration, including projects awaiting execution, they would represent the natural evolution of the program.
It is worth noting that the Argentine Army undertook the TAM modernization and recovery project with a clear horizon in terms of incorporating new capabilities, extending service life, and balancing the cost-benefit ratio of the investment it would have to face. This same process could be repeated, should it be decided to move forward with the other members of the family, particularly the VCTP.
Outstanding results and constant training
Once the challenges inherent to a program of this magnitude had been overcome, the Argentine Army achieved various milestones and results with the TAM 2C-A2, which were reached during the certification stages and once the combat vehicles were delivered to their operational unit.
From the DGID, it was highlighted that, with the TAM 2C-A2, “excellent results have been achieved, both in day and night firing, on the move and against fixed and moving targets…” “We are in constant communication with the 8th Regiment in Magdalena…” the latter referring to the exchange between the crews and the different Army elements participating in the project.
“The changes that were applied came when learning to operate the new systems, (a process that took place) as the crews were trained to operate them in the most efficient way possible… During the certification process, training is also carried out in communications maintenance, mechanical maintenance, and crew instruction… that is also part of the certification process, so that everything is delivered as a complete weapon system…” explained Colonel Major Nadale of the DGID.
The range of courses and training options continues to expand due to the requirements that arise once the TAM 2C-A2s are at their operational unit. With the delivery of a new squadron, logic dictates that the demand for personnel trained in first-echelon maintenance will increase, with the goal of achieving greater local self-sufficiency. However, for more complex work, higher-level support will continue to be required.
Modernization and recovery
The TAM 2C-A2 modernization and recovery work is divided into two major components: the turret and the hull. Recovery of the latter is carried out by the Directorate of Arsenals, which falls under the General Directorate of Materiel. The refurbishment and overhaul of the hull includes various aspects, among them a new electrical installation, side skirts for additional protection, a driver’s vision system, and more.
For its part, the DGID is responsible for the work on the turret, a modification that replaces and incorporates new technologies: from the stabilization system and electric drive for the turret and gun, to the fire control system, which includes new panoramic sights for the gunner and the tank commander. The turret upgrade also includes a new laser warning system, an internal fire suppression system for the vehicle, an auxiliary power unit, thermal protection for the gun, among other improvements.
It is worth recalling that the modification work and incorporation of turret improvements (equipment basket, various fittings) are carried out by the company IMPSA. As the Mendoza-based company releases the modified turrets, they are fitted with the aforementioned systems at the facilities of Arsenal Battalion 602.
At the same time, work is being carried out on the TAM chassis to restore them to operational condition through the replacement or repair of the various components that make them up. This includes moving parts such as the drive sprocket, idler, and support wheels, in addition to the shock absorbers. “Arsenal Battalion 602 has historically been responsible for performing the highest-level maintenance on the entire TAM family… it has personnel with extensive experience…” explained Major Javier Aguirre, second-in-command of the Battalion.
Within the process, and alongside the DGID’s work on turret modernization, Arsenal Battalion 602 works on the chassis at its different stations. “A team working on a TAM, the first thing it does is completely dismantle it… There are parts that are purchased new and reinstalled. There are parts that are restored… Similar work is carried out on the electrical system, fuel system, engine system… the hull is fully recovered…” Major Aguirre told ZM.
2030 as the goal and possible expansion of the program
With an agreement contemplating the recovery and modernization of 74 TAM armored combat vehicles to the TAM 2C-A2 standard, the work is projected to continue until 2030. And based on what can be observed, the intention is for deliveries to be made in complete units (squadrons), rather than in smaller batches.
As mentioned, a next stage of the program could mean that the recovery and modernization process is extended to the other members of the TAM family. One of the cases contemplated among the Public Investment Projects is the modernization of the VCTP, an update and refurbishment process that could greatly benefit from the experience gained with the TAM 2C-A2.
However, these potential initiatives are viewed with caution, since to guarantee their proper execution they will require the allocation and availability of the necessary resources: budgetary, technical, human, and infrastructure-related.
Acknowledgments: Argentine Army; Army General Secretariat; General Directorate of Materiel; Directorate of Arsenals; Arsenal Battalions 601 and 602.
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