Brazil Receives First Centauro II 8×8 Armored Vehicle for Testing and Evaluation

On August 17, 2024, Brazil received the first of the Centauro II 8×8 armored combat vehicles, acquired through direct contracting under RFP COLOG No. 01/2022, as reported by Zona-Militar. This vehicle is part of the Cavalry Armored Combat Vehicle – Medium on Wheels 8×8 (VBC Cav MSR 8×8) project, which is aligned with the Army’s Strategic Program for Armored Forces (Prg EE F Bld). This delivery represents a key milestone for the Brazilian Army, which aims to test and evaluate this new acquisition before proceeding with the purchase of a complete fleet.

In June 2024, the vehicle was held by German authorities at the port of Hamburg due to an alleged lack of a transport guide, raising concerns within Brazilian military circles. Some speculations even pointed to potential diplomatic elements behind these bureaucratic issues. Despite this setback, the second vehicle is expected to arrive in the coming weeks, and the entire initial batch will undergo testing before the signing of the main contract for the acquisition of 96 armored vehicles, with an estimated cost of 900 million euros. Originally, the Brazilian Army intended to purchase a total of 221 armored vehicles.

The VBC Cav MSR 8×8 project took shape on October 7, 2022, when the Brazilian Army, through the Logistics Command (COLOG) and the Directorate of Material (DMat), published a shortlist of three pre-selected proposals for its new cavalry armored combat vehicle. The competitors included the Centauro II, proposed by the Iveco–OTO Melara Consortium (CIO), the LAV 700 AG from General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada (GDLS-C), and the T1-BR 105 mm from North Industries Group Corp (Norinco). The Italian consortium Iveco–OTO Melara won the tender by being the only one to offer a 120 mm cannon (Leonardo HITFACT MkII turret), while the other competitors proposed 105 mm cannons. The selection criteria included technical aspects, price, industrial offsets, and integrated logistics support.

One important criterion, which led to the elimination of some proposals and the withdrawal of some companies during the Request for Information (RFI) phase, was the requirement that the complete system, including the vehicle and turret, already be in series production. The Italian CIO consortium, composed of Leonardo, IDV, and Oto Melara, oversees the full development of the Centauro II. This vehicle is characterized by its powerful armament, advanced sensor systems, and adaptability to various environments, enhancing its appeal in the international defense market.

The Centauro II was prominently featured during the Italian Republic Day parade on June 2 in Rome, highlighting its growing role in European defense strategies and its initial operational deployment in Bulgaria to strengthen NATO’s southern flank. Brazil’s decision to proceed with the purchase of 96 Centauro II vehicles, following an initial evaluation phase, reflects confidence in this technology. Furthermore, the vehicle will undergo electromagnetic compatibility testing in Italy before being shipped to Brazil, ensuring smooth integration into the Brazilian armed forces.

This potential partnership between Brazil and Italy could not only bolster Brazil’s military capabilities but also strengthen diplomatic and commercial ties between the two nations. Simultaneously, the CIO consortium continues discussions to expand its markets in Europe, Africa, and Asia, further affirming the global reach and prestige of the Italian defense industry.

The Centauro II represents a significant advancement over its predecessors, the well-known Centauro 105 and 120 mm vehicles, which were the world’s first 8×8 wheeled anti-tank vehicles equipped with high-pressure guns. Equipped with a third-generation 120 mm / 45 caliber gun, the Centauro II includes an integrated muzzle brake and a semi-automatic loading system. It is capable of firing the latest 120 mm NATO-standard armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding-sabot (APFSDS) rounds, as well as multi-purpose ammunition.

The vehicle offers substantial ammunition storage, with 12 ready-to-fire rounds for the main gun, 1,000 rounds for the 7.62 mm gun, 400 rounds for the 12.7 mm gun, and 96 grenades for the grenade launchers. To enhance its defensive capabilities, the turret supports the installation of a Hitrole Light remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS), which can be equipped with 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine guns and 40 mm automatic grenade launchers, suitable for various operational scenarios beyond conventional warfare.

The Centauro II also features a redesigned hull and turret that incorporate additional armor and technical upgrades, achieving AEP 55-level protection. This design protects the crew against direct fire, anti-tank mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and the latest kinetic munitions. For added safety, the vehicle includes a dedicated anti-blast compartment for reserve ammunition and additional storage spaces. Its advanced onboard systems include nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection, firefighting equipment, and anti-explosion mechanisms. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a laser warning system to alert the crew to potential threats.