Italian army plans to purchase 50 Centauro 2 120mm 8x8 MGS Mobile Gun Systems 11610162.

Following an official documents submitted to the Italian parliament, which have been seen by Defense News. Italian army could purchase a first batch of 50 Centauro 2, 120mm 8x8 MGS (mobile gun system) and four A-129 Mangusta helicopters.

The 530€ million contract for the Centauro 2 is expected to be concluded by 2023.

Currently, the Italian armed forces have a total of 359 Centauro 1, 8x8 anti-tank wheeled armoured vehicle. Main armament of the Centauro 1 consists of one Oto Melara-designed 105 mm 52 calibre rifled gun with a long recoil system that fires standard NATO tank ammunition as used in the L7 and M68 guns, including APFSDS.

The Centauro 2 MGS (Main Gun System) 120 mm/105 mm is a modernized version of the Centauro 1 8x8 anti-tank wheeled armoured vehicle. The Centauro 2 was presented for the first time to the public during the defense exhibition Eurosatory in June 2016.

The main armament of the Centauro 2 MGS consists of one third generation 120/45 mm gun (optional 105/52mm interchangeable to 120 mm), with integrated and stabilised low-recoil muzzle brake, provides the same fire power as most modern main battle tanks, with the capability of firing all latest generation 120 mm NATO APFSDS and multi-role MP munitions.

At Eurosatory 2016, the Centauro was also fitted with a remote-operated HITROLE Light turret armed with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun with the possibility of using 7.62 or 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, integrated with the firing system, allowing the loader to undertake battlefield surveillance from a protected position.