Leonardo secures first Brazilian serial order for Centauro II as 98-vehicle armored program moves into production

Leonardo, through the CIO consortium formed by IDV and OTO Melara, has signed the first serial production contract for Centauro II 8×8 wheeled armored vehicles for the Brazilian Army. The initial order covers seven vehicles armed with 120 mm main guns and forms part of a broader program for 98 vehicles to be delivered in annual tranches.

The contract was awarded under Brazil’s Programa Estratégico Forças Blindadas for the Viatura Blindadas de Combate de Cavalaria Média Sobre Rodas, or VBC Cav – MSR 8×8, project. The agreement follows the successful completion of operational testing and the acceptance of two vehicles supplied as the initial evaluation batch.

Leonardo describes 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-horsepower propulsion system and an H-drive transmission. Leonardo said the configuration is intended to combine the firepower of a modern main battle tank with the strategic mobility of a wheeled platform.

The Centauro II is also designed to provide advanced observation, firing precision, communications and crew ergonomics. Leonardo said the vehicle offers a high level of crew protection.

According to the company, Centauro II remains the only vehicle currently in service capable of integrating a 120 mm weapon on a wheeled platform. The design is positioned around large-caliber anti-tank capability combined with the mobility of an 8×8 vehicle.

The Italian Army has already adopted Centauro II and placed orders for 150 units. Leonardo said the vehicle is establishing itself as a global benchmark in the wheeled, large-caliber anti-tank armored vehicle segment.

The Brazilian agreement marks the move from evaluation into serial production under the planned 98-vehicle program. Deliveries will proceed in annual batches following the first order for seven vehicles.