SDLE from Spain to modernize Centauro 105mm for Jordanian army.

Spanish Company Star Defence Logistics & Engineering (SDLE) has won a multi-million Euros contract for the reactivation, maintenance and modernization of 80 first-generation Centauro Cavalry Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) of the Royal Jordanian Army. In February 2014, it was announced that Jordan to buy about 80 Italian Iveco 105 mm Centauro tank destroyers by June 2014. The Centauro 105mm is a wheeled tank destroyer designed for light to medium territorial defense and tactical reconnaissance.

Modernized version of Centauro 105mm 8x8 Cavalry Reconnaissance Vehicle. (Picture source SDLE)

Star Defense Logistics & Engineering (www.sdle.info) has an extensive experience as independent distributor of spare parts for military vehicles and equipment. SDLE is one of the main suppliers of the military sector in Spain, and is already exporting products and services to more than 25 countries.

This is the first time in the last twenty years that a company from the Spanish defense industry has obtained an export contract of this magnitude for maintenance, modernization of military armoured military vehicles and associated training.

The fleet of 80 Centauro CRVs, originating from Italy, will have its operational relevance extended through the modernization of the fire control system and the thermal cameras.

SDLE was selected in an international tender which also included the Centauro CRV manufacturer, the Iveco-Oto Melara (CIO) consortium.

The contract was signed a few months ago, after two years of negotiations, during which SDLE and the Jordan Army Forces (JAF) –in the Knowledge of the Spanish Ministry of Defense,– have set the contractual scope. The contract constitutes an integral service for which SDLE is committed with the JAF for provide technical assistance during the entire life cycle of these vehicles.

In the 1980s, the Italian Army drew up its requirements for a complete new family of tracked and wheeled armoured fighting vehicles to meet its future requirements for the 1990s. The vehicle was designed and manufactured by a consortium of Italian Companies IVECO Defence Vehicles and Oto Melara. Iveco Defence Vehicles was tasked with developing the hull and propulsion systems while Oto Melara was responsible for developing the turrets and weapon systems.

The Centauro 105mm is an 8x8 wheeled tank destroyer designed for light to medium territorial defense and tactical reconnaissance. Main armament comprises an 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. A 7.62 mm MG 42/59 machine gun is mounted coaxially to the left of the main armament. A 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine can be mounted on the turret roof for anti-aircraft defence.

The Centauro has a crew of four including driver, commander, gunner and loader. The hull and turret of the Centauro are of all-welded steel armour construction, which provides the crew with protection from small arms fire and shell splinters. Over the frontal arc, protection is provided against penetration from 20 mm projectiles and against 12.7 mm attack all round.