Picture Released on Social Network Shows First Centauro II 8x8 Armored Vehicle for Brazilian Army.

On May 9, 2024, a photograph surfaced on X Social Network, unveiling the first Centauro 2 armoured vehicle designated for the Brazilian Army. This procurement follows the Brazilian Army's announcement on November 25, 2022, by the Comando Logístico (COLOG) / Diretoria de Material, selecting the winner of the competitive bid for an 8×8 armoured combat vehicle. Officially termed as the Viatura Blindada de Combate de Cavalaria Média Sobre Rodas, VBC CAV – MSR 8x8, the selection favored the Centauro II model, equipped with a formidable 120 mm smoothbore gun.
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First picture of Italian-made Centauro II 8x8 120mm armored vehicle for the Brazilian was released on X Social Network. (Picture source X Social Network)

The Centauro II is produced by the CIO consortium, a collaboration between the Italian companies IDV (formerly Iveco) and Leonardo (formerly Oto Melara), under the joint banner of Consorzio Iveco Oto Melara. The configuration adopted by the Brazilian Army closely mirrors that utilized by CIO’s national Italian customers but introduces several unique adaptations tailored for Brazil. Notably, the Brazilian version will sport a different add-on armour package, details of which remain classified. Additionally, the Brazilian models will forego the semi-automatic ammunition loading system present in the Italian variants, opting instead for manual handling of the 120 mm ammunition akin to most Western main battle tanks (MBTs).

The vehicle’s communication suite is notably robust, incorporating L3Harris RF-7800V VHF radios and supplemented by advanced systems from Thales, ensuring secure and reliable battlefield communications.

This deal follows a contract signed on December 31, 2020, by the Italian Directorate for Land Armaments (Direzione degli Armamenti Terrestri – DAT) with the CIO consortium for the delivery of 86 Centauro 2 systems to the Italian forces, with an option for an additional 10 units. The introduction of the Centauro 2 to the Brazilian Army marks a significant upgrade in their armored capabilities, reflecting both the evolution of military vehicle technology and the growing international collaboration in defense procurement.

The Centauro II armored vehicle marks a significant advancement from its predecessors, the renowned Centauro 105 and 120mm vehicles, which were the first 8x8 wheeled anti-tank vehicles in the world to feature a high-pressure gun.

Equipped with a cutting-edge third-generation 120mm / 45 caliber gun, the Centauro II features an integrated muzzle brake and a semi-automatic loading system. It is capable of firing the latest 120mm NATO standard armor-piercing, fin-stabilized, discarding-sabot (APFSDS) rounds, as well as multi-purpose (MP) ammunition.

The vehicle's ammunition storage is impressively comprehensive, accommodating 12 ready-to-fire rounds for the main gun, 1,000 rounds for the 7.62mm gun, 400 rounds for the 12.7mm gun, and 96 rounds for grenade launchers.

For enhanced defensive capabilities, the turret supports the installation of a Hitrole Light remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS), which can be outfitted with 7.62mm or 12.7mm caliber machine guns and 40mm automatic grenade launchers (AGLs), suitable for various operational scenarios beyond conventional warfare.

The Centauro II boasts a redesigned hull and turret that incorporate additional armor and technical upgrades, achieving AEP 55 level protection. This design protects the crew against direct fire, anti-tank mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and the most recent kinetic munitions.

For increased safety, the vehicle features a dedicated anti-blast compartment for reserve ammunition and additional storage spaces. Its state-of-the-art onboard systems include nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection, advanced fire-fighting equipment, and anti-explosion mechanisms. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a laser warning system to alert the crew to potential threats.