The Brazilian Army has selected Iveco Defence Vehicles’ Centauro II as its new 8x8 wheeled armored vehicle.
The Brazilian Army has chosen Iveco Defence Vehicles’ Centauro II as its new 8x8 armored vehicle.
The Italian-built military vehicle won the Viatura Blindada de Combate de Cavalaria Sobre Rodas (VBC Cav-MSR 8×8) program to replace Brasilia’s aging fleet of 8x8 vehicles.
It bested General Dynamics’ LAV-700 armored vehicle and China’s ST1-BR wheeled tank destroyer.
Iveco Defense Vehicles is not a new contractor for the Brazilian Army, providing the service with its LMV-BR 4x4 tactical vehicle and the Guarani 6x6 amphibious armored vehicle.
The army is expected to award a contract for at least 98 Centauro IIs by the end of this year.
It may also reportedly acquire up to 220 8x8 armored vehicles throughout the program for up to 2 billion euros ($2.08 billion).
The Centauro II
Built in partnership with Leonardo, the Centauro II is said to be the first 8x8 wheeled anti-tank vehicle in the world equipped with a high-pressure gun.
It has the firepower of most modern main battle tanks, according to Iveco.
The vehicle can fire all the latest generation 120-millimeter rounds and multi-role MP munitions.
The Centauro II can accommodate a crew of four and reach a top speed of 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour.
The Brazilian Army plans to create a Brazilian configuration of the Italian armored vehicle, but it will have the same 120-mm weapon system.
