The Brazilian Army has begun serial procurement of the Centauro II after Leonardo, through the CIO Consortium, secured a contract for the first seven vehicles in a planned 98-unit acquisition. Each of the new 8×8 wheeled tank destroyers will be armed with a 120mm smoothbore cannon. The first seven vehicles will form the opening production batch, while the remaining platforms are expected to be supplied through annual delivery tranches. The contract was signed after Brazil completed operational testing of the system and received the two vehicles used for the initial evaluation phase. Brazil selected the Centauro II in 2022 through its Viatura Blindada de Combate de Cavalaria Sobre Rodas requirement. The vehicle will gradually replace the Army’s older 6×6 Cascavel vehicles in cavalry and infantry formations. During the selection process, the Centauro II competed against General Dynamics’ LAV 700 and China’s ST1-BR. At the center of the platform is the HITFACT MkII turret, combined with a 720-horsepower engine and H-drive transmission. The configuration is intended to deliver heavy direct-fire capability comparable to a modern main battle tank while preserving the operational and strategic mobility of an 8×8 wheeled vehicle. The Centauro II uses a fully digital and interoperable architecture covering observation, fire control, communications, crew ergonomics, and protection. Its digital fire-control system incorporates thermal imaging cameras, a laser rangefinder, and stabilization functions. With its 120mm main gun, the Centauro II is currently the only vehicle in service that integrates this caliber weapon onto a wheeled platform. It can strike targets at distances of up to 5 kilometers (3 miles), reach a top speed of 105 kilometers (65 miles) per hour, and operate across distances of up to 800 kilometers (497 miles). The platform has been designed for a broad range of missions, including national security operations, peacekeeping duties, and support activities. Beyond Brazil, the Centauro II is also being procured by the Italian Army, which has ordered 150 units.
