The Brazilian Army has selected the 120mm cannon-armed Centauro II, produced by the Italian Iveco-Oto Melara consortium CIO, as its new armoured vehicle.
The announcement was made via the Material Directorate of the Brazilian Army’s Logistic Command (COLOG).
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Centauro II emerged as the winner for the Brazilian Viatura Blindada de Cavalaria Média Sobre Rodas (VBC Cav – MSR 8×8) wheeled armoured vehicle requirement.
It beat General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada’s LAV 700 AG, with a 105mm gun, and Chinese conglomerate Norinco’s ST1-BR with a 105mm gun.
In a statement, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said: “This demonstrates the excellence of Italian industry in the world and excellent teamwork.”
Through the VBC Cav – MSR 8×8 project, the Brazilian Army aims to acquire between 98 and 221 Cavalry Combat Vehicles, with two vehicles for the evaluation lot.
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By GlobalDataThe first two vehicles are expected to be handed over to the service in January next year.
The CIO consortium, which is equally owned by Iveco Defence Vehicles and Leonardo, will sign the initial contract for the delivery of sample vehicles next month.
According to a press release issued by Leonardo, the Centauro II armoured vehicle is a wheeled 8×8 system and has upgraded features when compared to the Centauro I vehicle.
It is installed with a 120mm cannon and is said to offer superior power, mobility, firing performance, and crew protection.
The Centauro II can be deployed for national security missions and peace-keeping operations, as well as in scenarios where the armed forces are required to intervene.
In 2018, the Italian Ministry of Defence contracted the consortium for the delivery of the first tranche out of a total of 136 new Centauro II armoured vehicles.
