The Brazilian Army has chosen Iveco Defence Vehicles’ Centauro II as its new 8×8 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 8×8 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 4×4 tactical vehicle and the Guarani 6×6 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 8×8 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 8×8 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.
