Iveco – Oto Melara Consortium signs contract for 10 Centauro II armoured vehicles

Rome, 24 July 2018 – In the presence of the Italian Army Chief of Staff, Lt.Gen. Salvatore Farina, and of the Land Armaments Director, Lt.Gen. Francesco Castrataro, a contract for the first tranche of ten Centauro II Vehicles, named “New Blindo Centauro” by the Italian Army, has been signed by the Iveco – Oto Melara Consortium (CIO) senior management at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of Defence and of the National Armaments Directorate.

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 700 hp 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 120/45 mm gun.

The result is a new concept of wheeled armored 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.

The CIO contract, including vehicles, equipment and logistics, is worth 159 million euros.

This delivery is the first tranche of a total of 136 units.