Leonardo, operating through the CIO Consortium, has signed an initial serial-production contract with the Brazilian Army for seven Centauro II 8×8 wheeled tank destroyers equipped with 120mm smoothbore cannons. These seven vehicles represent the first production batch under a broader 98-vehicle program, with additional platforms scheduled to be delivered in annual tranches. The agreement follows the successful completion of operational testing and delivery of the two vehicles that made up the initial evaluation batch. Brazil selected the Italian-built Centauro II in 2022 under the Viatura Blindada de Combate de Cavalaria Sobre Rodas program. The vehicle is intended to replace the Brazilian Army’s aging 6×6 Cascavel fleet serving with cavalry and infantry units. The Centauro II was selected ahead of General Dynamics’ LAV 700 and China’s ST1-BR. The vehicle features Leonardo’s HITFACT MkII turret, a 720-horsepower propulsion system, and an H-drive transmission. This combination provides the firepower expected from a modern main battle tank while retaining the strategic mobility offered by a wheeled armored platform. Its architecture is fully digitized and interoperable, incorporating advanced observation, fire-control, communications, crew ergonomics, and protection systems. The digital fire-control system includes thermal cameras, a laser rangefinder, and stabilization technology. The Centauro II is currently the only vehicle in service that combines a 120mm gun with a wheeled chassis. It can engage targets at ranges of up to 5 kilometers (3 miles), reach a maximum speed of 105 kilometers (65 miles) per hour, and travel as far as 800 kilometers (497 miles) on its operational range. The platform is intended for missions including national security, peacekeeping, and support operations. The Italian Army has also ordered 150 Centauro II vehicles.
