TSAMTO, September 7. On September 1, Leonardo Group announced the signing of a contract with the Brazilian Army Logistics Command for the supply of the first batch of mass-produced armored vehicles with heavy weapons.
The contract for the supply of Viatura Blindadas de Combat de Cavalaria Media Sobre Rodas armored vehicles (VBC Cav - MSR 8x8, Brazilian designation) was signed through the CIO consortium (IDV – OTO Melara) as part of the strategic armored forces rearmament program Prg EE F Bld (Program Estrategico do Exercito Forcas Blindadas) in Brazil.
The contract provides for the supply of 7 Centauro II BR heavy-armed armored vehicles with an 8x8 wheelbase equipped with a 120 mm cannon. The cost of the order was not disclosed. It is expected that the equipment will be delivered by 2028 for evaluation as part of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Brigade. Contracts for training and logistical support will be signed soon.
The new agreement was signed after the delivery of two vehicles of the evaluation batch, which successfully passed military tests.
This is the first batch of BMTV, which will be delivered at the stage of mass production of 98 armored vehicles. It is expected that the equipment will also be supplied to Brazil in tranches as part of annual orders. It will enter service with the 1st Infantry Brigade, the 11th and 15th mechanized infantry brigades, as well as the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th mechanized cavalry brigades.
As reported by CAMTO, the Brazilian Military Command announced the selection of the Centauro II BMTV proposed by the Iveco-Oto Melara (CIO) consortium as the winner of the tender for the supply of the Viatura Blindadas de Combat de Cavalaria Media Sobre Rodas (VBC Cav - MSR 8x8) armored vehicle on November 25, 2022. The aim of the project is to replace the outdated EE-9 Cascavel 6x6 BRMS.
The contract for the supply of the first test machines was signed in December 2022.
The project provides for the purchase of at least 98 Centauro II units, 120 mm ammunition, digital fire control systems, communications equipment, C2 combat control systems, passive and active protection equipment worth about 900 million euros. The agreement includes options, if implemented, the number of armored vehicles ordered may increase to 221 units, and the total cost may reach 2 billion. euro.
Initially, two prototypes of the Centauro II were undergoing initial evaluation in Italy, and in August 2024 they were delivered to Brazil to undergo comprehensive military tests as part of the 6th Mechanized Infantry Brigade.
It is assumed that the final assembly of serial BMTVS will be carried out from machine kits in Brazil at the IDV plant in Sete Lagoas (Minas Gerais). The offset program involves the production of 120-mm ammunition at the IMBEL enterprise and the development of the AEL Sistemas simulator. Brazil will receive the rights to re-export BMTV in the South American region.
The Centauro II BMW is equipped with a HITFACT Mk turret on an 8x8 chassis.2 with a 120mm smoothbore cannon with a semi-automatic loading system, which allows you to combine high firepower with high mobility. The carried ammunition is 31 rounds. The armament also includes a 7.62 mm MAG58 machine gun paired with a cannon and a HITROLE Mod. L. The maximum combat weight of the machine is 30 tons. The 720 hp Iveco Vector V8 diesel engine and the ZF Ecomat 7HP902 automatic transmission allow for a maximum speed on the highway of 105 km/h, with a fuel reserve of 800 km.
The Centauro II was adopted by the Italian Armed Forces, which placed orders for the supply of 150 armored vehicles.
