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Iveco and the Italian Government have signed a contract for 86 CENTAURO II armoured vehicles (plus ten additional units as an option) with integrated logistic support and equipment. The contract follows the initial supply of ten units (purchased with the contract signed in July 2018) towards a total requirement for 150 examples. This ensures 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 programme 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
  • 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. This makes 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 peace- keeping and support operations including all interventions involving the Italian Armed Forces.

Jack Richardson