Leonardo secures first Brazilian serial order for Centauro II as 98-vehicle armored program moves into production

The Iveco Defence Vehicles–OTO Melara consortium signed Brazil's first serial-production contract for seven Centauro II 8x8 armored vehicles armed with 120-millimeter guns. The order follows operational testing and acceptance work with two evaluation vehicles and forms the opening production tranche of Brazil's planned 98-vehicle VBC Cav MSR program. The Centauro II combines a 720-horsepower powerpack, H-drive layout, and HITFACT MkII turret; however, the announcement covers only the initial seven vehicles, with later annual tranches and delivery schedules still subject to separate contracting and program decisions.