- Leonardo signed a contract to produce the first batch of 8×8 Centauro II wheeled vehicles to the Brazilian Army
- The company will deliver the first seven out of a total of 98 vehicles
- Centauo II is a unique “wheeled tank destroyer” with a 120mm calibre gun
Leonardo signed a contract to begin serial production of the first batch of Centauro II 8×8 wheeled vehicles for the Brazilian Army and Marine Corps, according to a release issued on 1 September 2026.
The company will deliver seven Centauro II vehicles out of a total of 98 in annual tranches. Both supplier and user signed the agreement following the successful completion of operational testing and the receipt of two vehicles comprising the initial evaluation batch.
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These initial vehicles entered service with the Army’s brigades in the south and southeast of the country, which are tasked with border security.
Commanders aim to replace their ageing EE-9 Cascavels, of which there are 409 vehicles according to GlobalData’s “Brazil Defense Market, 2026-2031” report. Some of these vehicles were acquired as far back as 1972.
Delivery plans
IDV-OTO Melara builds the platform, which the Brazilian Army has designated its Medium Wheeled Armoured Cavalry Combat Vehicle. The consortium, formerly a joint venture, now falls under the corporate control of the Italian prime since it acquired Iveco’s defence business in July 2025.
The vehicle measures 8.26 metres (m) in length, 3.12m in width (without mirrors), 3.65m high, and weighs 30 tonnes. It is powered by the 720-horsepower Iveco Vector 8V engine.
Wheeled tank destroyer
On its website, IDV claim that the vehicle is the world’s first “wheeled tank destroyer” because of its 120mm calibre HITFACT MkII turret, incorporating the firepower of a main battle tank on a mobile, wheeled platform. This uncommon integration is made possible by the ballistic alloy used to build the turret frame besides using a120mm smoothbore, low recoil force gun.
The MkII turret iteration is differentiated among the HITFACT family by its digital optronic sensor suite, upgraded survivability and electric turret drives.
IDV already produces a range of armoured vehicles for the Army, including the Guaicurus 4×4 light mobility vehicle and Guarani 6×6 armoured personnel carrier. The service are also considering options for an Infantry Fighting Vehicle and MBT based on a common design.
Meanwhile, the Italian Army has alread adopted Centauro II, having ordered 150 units.
