Italy has finalized a contract with the Iveco – Oto Melara Consortium to be delivered the last batch of Centauro II wheeled tank destroyers to its army under a program initiated in 2018.
As part of this agreement, 28 Centauro systems will be supplied, fulfilling the government's objective of acquiring 150 anti-tank vehicles for its military.
Additionally, the deal encompasses comprehensive logistics support for the fleet, which will be maintained over a period of 10 years.
“The Centauro II, today fully operational, represents the state-of-the-art in terms of performance, engagement capability, mobility, interconnection and ergonomics, in addition to the proven maximum crew protection,” the consortium said in its announcement.
“[Centauro II] is a new concept of wheeled armoured vehicle capable of operating in any scenario: from national security missions to peacekeeping and support operations including all interventions involving the Italian Armed Forces,” it said.
The Centauro II represents an enhanced iteration of Italy's original reconnaissance anti-tank platform, which was developed in the late 1980s and manufactured in the early 1990s.
Like its predecessor, the latest Centauro features a chassis and propulsion system produced by Iveco Fiat, while its armament and associated turrets are supplied by Oto Melara, now part of Leonardo.
Compared to the earlier model, the Centauro II is heavier by six tons and is equipped with a 120-millimeter cannon along with .45-caliber smoothbore guns.
Its performance is driven by a 720-horsepower engine, allowing speeds of up to 105 kilometers (65 miles) per hour and a maximum operational range of 800 kilometers (497 miles).
Utilizing H-drive technology, which enhances the maneuverability of large off-road vehicles, the Centauro II operates on an 8×8 platform.
In July 2018, the Italian government granted Iveco and its collaborators 159 million euros ($170 million) to deliver the first set of Centauro II vehicles to the Italian military.
The final order prior to the 2024 contract was placed in 2022 for 16 Centauros.
During the same year, the Iveco – Oto Melara Consortium secured a deal with the Brazilian government to replace up to 220 of the army’s aging 8×8 ground systems with Centauro IIs.
