Presentation of first production unit of Centauro 2 for Italian army.

On February 16th, the Italian Army Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Salvatore Farina, was welcomed by Claudio Catalano, CEO of IVECO Defence Vehicles, at the Bolzano plant where the new Centauro 2 are currently in production. These vehicles are going to be part of the cavalry units of the Italian Army. The Director of Land Armaments, Lt. Gen. Paolo Giovannini, was also present.
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Centauro 2 (3rd vehicle from right) (Picture source: IVECO Defense Vehicles)

The Centauro 2 marks a major step forward compared to the previous Centauro 1, in terms of firepower, battlefield observation capability, mobility, shooting conduct, communication as well as increased crew protection.

Equipped with a modern powerpack of over 700HP and the H-transmission, typical of the 8x8 armoured vehicles, the new platform uses an all-digital architecture and a new generation turret with a 120mm cannon and Command and Control Communication systems, making it one of the most modern vehicles supplied to Western Armies. The result is an innovative wheeled armoured platform capable of operating in every scenario: from national security missions, to peacekeeping and support operations including all interventions involving the Italian Armed Forces.

Last December, the Land Armaments Directorate and the Iveco - Oto Melara Consortium (CIO), signed a contract for 86 Centauro 2, plus 10 further units in option, in addition to the 10 already contracted in 2018. The supply addresses a total need of 150 vehicles to be assigned to the army cavalry units. Thanks to its state-of-the-art technologies, this platform can safely be used by the cavalry units also in high-risk operations.

Moreover, on this very occasion, also the 8x8 VBM Freccia Digital Tactical Command Post was presented. This vehicle is made in two versions, one for the unit Commander and the other one for the unit mobile HQ. These platforms are equipped with the latest communication equipment that seamlessly integrates into the Army and Joint tactical battle command network.