Leonardo signs first serial production contract for Centauro II 8x8 with Brazilian Army
Leonardo, through the CIO Consortium formed by Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV) and OTO Melara, has signed the first serial production contract for Centauro II 8x8 wheeled armored vehicles with the Brazilian Army. The initial order covers seven vehicles armed with a 120 mm main gun and represents the first batch of serial production under a wider program for 98 vehicles, to be delivered in annual tranches.
The contract was awarded under Brazil's Programa Estratégico Forças Blindadas for the VBC Cav – MSR 8x8 project (Viatura Blindada de Combate de Cavalaria Média Sobre Rodas). It follows the successful completion of operational testing and acceptance of the two vehicles supplied as the initial evaluation batch.
Leonardo describes the Centauro II as the most advanced evolution of its wheeled armored vehicle family. The platform is fully digitized and interoperable, and is designed for missions ranging from national security and peacekeeping to support operations and more demanding deployments.
The vehicle is fitted with the HITFACT MkII turret, a 720 hp propulsion system and an H-drive transmission — a configuration Leonardo says combines the firepower of a modern main battle tank with the strategic mobility of a wheeled 8x8 platform. The company also highlights advanced observation, firing precision, communications, crew ergonomics and a high level of crew protection.
According to Leonardo, the Centauro II remains the only vehicle in service capable of integrating a 120 mm weapon on a wheeled platform, positioning it for large-caliber anti-tank missions. The Italian Army has already adopted the vehicle and placed orders for 150 units, with Leonardo describing the Centauro II as an emerging global benchmark in the wheeled, large-caliber anti-tank segment.