The Italian Army has announced that the 132nd Tank Regiment successfully completed the Demetra 2/25 exercise at the Cellina-Meduna training area. The exercise aimed to verify the Ariete Brigade’s operational readiness and demonstrate Italy’s capability to conduct fast, combined-arms operations in line with NATO standards.
Purpose and Structure of the Exercise
Demetra 2/25 was conducted in two phases:
- Planning and Coordination: Intelligence updates, terrain and threat analysis, task organization, fire support planning, and integration of aviation assets.
- Field Execution: Complex, high-threat scenarios tested command agility and the ability to operate as a cohesive formation.
Platforms and Modular Armored Units
Key elements included:
- Ariete Main Battle Tanks
- Centauro Wheeled Gun Systems
- VCC-80 Dardo Infantry Fighting Vehicles
- Engineer and Logistics Units
- 11th Bersaglieri and 5th Lancieri di Novara Regiments
The exercise demonstrated a modular combined-arms approach suitable for both open and semi-urban terrain.
Air Support: A-129 Mangusta Helicopters
Two A-129 Mangusta attack helicopters from the 5th AVES Regiment Rigel conducted reconnaissance, target acquisition, and advanced observation missions. Coordinating with armored and mechanized elements, the helicopters extended the brigade’s sensor range and improved fire accuracy, while rehearsing critical air–land coordination procedures.
Strategic Significance and Takeaways
Demetra 2/25 was more than a routine drill; it validated the Ariete Armored Brigade’s operational readiness, combined-arms integration, and ability to fight in high-intensity scenarios. By confirming the Tier 2 status of the 132nd Tank Regiment, Italy demonstrates its readiness to provide rapidly deployable armored forces in support of NATO operations.
