CIO signs contract for 86 + 10 Centauro 2

Rome (Italy) – On the 30th December 2020 at Guidoni Palace,
headquarters of the General Secretariat of Defence and of the National
Armaments Directorate, the Land Armaments Director Lieutenant General
Paolo Giovannini and the Commercial Director of the Iveco – Oto Melara
Consortium (CIO) Dr. Eng. Giovanni Luisi, signed a contract for 86
Centauro II armoured vehicles, plus 10 additional units in option,
integrated logistic support and equipment.
The contract, marking the follow-up of the initial supply of 10 units
(purchased with the contract signed in July 2018) on a total need of the
Italian Army of 150 units, ensures a long-term stability thus strengthening
the strategic know-how for the land sector of the national industry of
Defence and guaranteeing the production continuity.
Besides the excellent technical and human resources of the two partner
companies, Iveco Defence Vehicles and Leonardo, the program leverages
predominantly on a national supply chain thanks to the proven capabilities
of the national Defence industry.
The Centauro II marks a major step forward compared to the previous
Centauro I, in terms of power, observation capability, mobility, ergonomics,
firing range, communication and maximum crew protection.
Equipped with a new power pack delivering over 700hp and with H-drive
architecture, a hallmark of the 8×8 Centauro range, Centauro II features
an entirely digital system and a new generation turret mounting with a
120mm gun and Command and Control Communication systems making
Centauro the most innovative vehicle in service with the Italian Army.
The result is a new concept of wheeled armoured vehicle capable of
operating in any scenario: from national security missions, to peacekeeping and support operations including all interventions involving the
Italian Armed Forces.